New driving range wins approval

Fife Council has approved a retrospective plan for a new driving range at Hawkswood Country Estate in Cupar.

The 270-yard range, which was previously an agricultural field, has already been completed and is for the use of Hawkswood Country Estate residents only.

On-site residents can take up golf practice lessons at the new range with Peter Whiteford, a former European Tour player and the teaching golf professional at the estate.

The site lies between the B941 to the west and Hawkswood Country properties The Roundell, Bowhill House and Hawkswood House to the south.

No trees had to be removed for the development of the site.

Fife Council’s Natural Heritage made no objection to the proposal.

However, they have requested that a native species of hedge is planted along the western boundary of the site to increase biodiversity.

Fife Council planning officials noted: “This proposal is considered to be acceptable in meeting the terms of Fife Plan 2017 policies.

“It is compatible with the area in terms of land use, design and scale.

“No significant impacts would arise in regard to existing levels of residential amenity or road safety.”