Developer may face battle over Milnathort housing plan

A developer is again preparing to do battle with Kinross-shire residents following the submission of new plans to expand Milnathort.

Dundas Estates is hoping for permission for its 77-home Pace Hill proposal, which exceeds the 50 houses recommended in the local development plan.

Local groups, including Milnathort Community Council and Kinross-shire Civic Trust, are now considering their response.

They have long feared the over-development of the community and reacted with horror when Dundas Estates previously came forward with an 80-home proposal.

That was subsequently withdrawn, but any hopes a renewed application would be significantly smaller have been dashed, with just three fewer homes now proposed.

The developer’s application signals its intent to create a mix of two, three and four-bedroom homes, including bungalows, on the site.

Their number would include 19 affordable homes in the hope of meeting the needs of a variety of potential owners, such as “first time buyers and growing families”.

Dundas Estates has pledged to respect local woodland and trees on the boundary of the site, as well as creating new access routes to the countryside.

Managing director Bruce Dunlop said: “The location of the Pace Hill development is well connected to transport links and local amenities and presents an excellent opportunity to build high-quality homes to suit a range of needs.

“At Dundas Estates we are committed to supporting local communities, which includes fulfilling our commitment to provide assistance to educational facilities in the area.

“Our aim is always to become a contributing member of the communities where we develop homes, and we see Milnathort as a great place to do that.”

Mr Dunlop stressed proposals “take into consideration the council’s local development plan”.