Homes planned for Newburgh

Ambitious plans that could dramatically change the shape of Newburgh are moving forward.

Perth-based developer A&J Stephen has lodged a formal proposal of application notice (PAN) with Fife Council as part of its blueprint for land to the north and south of Cupar Road.

It is thought up to 275 new homes could be built on the site thanks to housing allocations detailed in the FIFEplan, with 225 houses earmarked for the south of Cupar Road and a further 50 to the north.

Very few details have emerged so far about the proposed scheme, but A&J Stephen says it is keen to create a mixed-use development that would include housing and employment land.

The application also suggests that Newburgh Primary School could be expanded as part of any plans that come forward, while the local cemetery may also have to be extended.

As part of the PAN process, a consultation event is expected to be held locally, giving residents the chance to see and comment upon what is proposed.

Locals are likely to be keen to see the finer points of any future planning application, given the furore created in recent years over housing allocations.

The Newburgh Sustainable Housing Campaign – formed in 2005 in response to the then Fife Structure Plan – carried out a survey last year which showed that most people wanted to see a maximum of 100 houses built over a period of 10 years.