Fife group fears danger posed by roundabout

Developer wants to install feature at the same time retail park is being built

Councillors have been urged to defer a decision on an “unsafe” roundabout in the heart of Cupar, amid fears it will endanger children.

Sustainable Cupar claims a miniroundabout planned for the entrance to a proposed retail park on the site of the former Reekie Group garage will give priority to motorists rather than pedestrians and cyclists and will affect youngsters going to Castlehill Primary School.

Planning permission has already been granted for seven units, including three takeaways, on the South Road site but developers have now asked to change a condition that the roundabout should be in place at the junction before construction begins.

Fife Council planners have backed the request to build it at the same time as the units, as long as it is ready before the public can access the development.

If approved by members of the northeast planning committee today, it is likely to mean five months of temporary traffic lights at the entrance to the site.

Sustainable Cupar chairman Gordon Pay said the roundabout, in its current design, should not be built at all.

“We have stressed on more than one occasion the need for the roundabout at the entrance to this development to be safe but so far this has fallen on deaf ears.

“This roundabout is on the main walking and cycling route for children going to and from Castlehill Primary School.

“As it stands, it is unsafe.

“We hope that our councillors will defer a decision on Wednesday until all the relevant parties can get together to find a satisfactory way of meeting our sustainable transport requirements in roundabout design.”

Cupar Community Council and six members of the public have also objected to the design.

Planning officer Edward Bean said the final details of the roundabout’s design would have to be submitted for the council’s written approval before work begins.

“On this basis, control of the design of the roundabout is retained by the planning authority, allowing for a satisfactory junction solution to be provided,” he said.

Planning permission has already been granted for seven units on the South Road site.