MUIR Homes is to have plans for the build of 35 new houses in Dalgety Bay considered by Fife Council.
Local councillors will consider the proposals next week, with the homes earmarked to be built on a vacant brownfield site by Fulmar Way.
Under the plans, nine of the 35 homes would be for affordable rent in partnership with Kingdom Housing Association. Muir said all homes would have photovoltaic panels for electricity generation, energy efficient heating, and be built to a high standard to reduce heat loss.
The properties would also be within walking distance of multiple bus stops and Dalgety Bay train station.
A previous planning application for the land was rejected with one of the major concerns of local residents being the proposed access from Otterston Grove. Muir Homes said it has listened to these concerns and propose the only vehicular access to be from Fulmar Way.
However, planning officials have recommended that councillors on the west and central planning committee reject the plans on the basis that access from Fulmar Way is not suitable.
Muir Homes carried out its own consultation with local residents and businesses prior to submitting the application and found there to be support for new housing in the local area and no strong planning objections. Most responses were supportive of the plans given the access is from Fulmar Way.
Planning officials also recommended refusal because Muir Homes do not own the land for the proposed footpath link to Meadowfield. Muir Homes said it is already in discussions with the owner of the land, Fife Housing Group, to ensure these links will be delivered alongside the housing.
The development is already designated for up to 50 houses within Fife Council’s local development plan. The site has lain vacant for more than 20 years and was previously used for industrial purposes as part of Donibristle Industrial Estate. Muir Homes will deliver new footpaths linking the site to the existing residential area of Meadowfield, landscaped open space areas, with tree planting and domestic gardens significantly improving the amenity and biodiversity of the land.
Nicola McCowan Hill, land and planning manager at Muir Homes, said, “It is really disappointing to see planning officials recommend that this site be rejected because of access from Fulmar Way. We know the only other option, from Otterston Grove, was not popular with local residents. The planning officer previously noted the unpopularity, and unsuitability, in their report to the planning committee who refused that application.
“We undertook our own thorough consultation and we know local people want the site to be developed for housing and accessed from Fulmar Way. I really hope the planning committee will take notice of what local residents want and grant consent for this proposal. This would allow this derelict land to be used as homes for dozens of families.
“Given the site is zoned for housing in the council’s own Local Development Plan, there would be pressure for a new proposal which would revert to access from Otterston Grove, if these plans were not accepted.
“On the proposed pedestrian link to Meadowfield, we are currently in contact with Fife Housing Group. We would understand if this was added as a condition for planning permission, but this is certainly not a reason to refuse the application altogether.
“Muir Homes is a reputable, family-run, local housebuilder and employer. We would relish the opportunity to bring this land back into use and deliver much needed homes in the area. This would positively contribute to the local economy with new jobs and investment in the area.”
