The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Outrage over farm access track
ANGRY WORM IT residents have hit out at work being carried out behind their homes without warning.
Diggers suddenly moved into a field at the back of Crosshill Terrace and began work on what householders feared might be access to a new housing development.
It later transpired that an access track was being built to Wormit Farm by landowner Lord Dundee, of Birkhill Estate.
Those who live in the street, on the southern edge of the village, said they had not been told of the work and hit out at what one person described as a “nightmare” which had destroyed trees in a wildlife-rich habitat.
They took to their community website to vent their fury at what was happening and the lack of information.
One resident said: “My back garden extends up to the field, however we have had no notification of any ground works or information about what is being done.
“There has been a lot of destruction to the trees and natural habitat, which gives me concern for the wildlife.”
Another said: “What a mess. They have destroyed trees and bushes along the whole length of Crosshill Terrace.”
Casting doubt on the purpose of the track, one neighbour said: “Surely no-one can seriously imagine that the very considerable effort and expense that is being expended on this sad venture is simply for an access road to a non-working farm or for access to existing residential property?”
Tay Bridgehead councillor-Tim Brett told The Courier a number of worried constituents had contacted him seeking answers.
He said: “There has been quite a bit of concern. People didn’t know what was going on, the work just started and the track is being driven up by some woodland.
“They were concerned that trees were being cut down and were concerned for the wildlife but the biggest concern was that the road could be for a big housing development.”
Speaking on behalf of Lord Dundee, architect James Pask insisted no housing was planned.
He said: “Lord Dundee, who owns Wormit Farm, owns that piece of ground and it has always been intended to have an access there.
“There used to be access to Wormit Farm across Kilmany Road but that ground was sold.
“The track just goes to the fields at the back and, as it is agricultural land, there was no requirement for planning consent.”
Mr Pask said only three trees had been taken down, with the approval of Forestry Commission Scotland.
When complete, he said the gravel track would form part of the field.
It was also pointed out that several residents had extended their gardens into land owned by Lord Dundee.