PERSIMMON Homes has withdrawn an application for the build of up to 1,480 homes in Cupar, Fife Council has confirmed.
The application related to a proposed expansion of Cupar North, a site identified for development since the mid-2000s – with the application submitted in December 2015.
The proposal was for a mixed-use development of up to 1,480 homes (including 20% affordable housing), alongside other uses such as a new primary school, a relief road, and supporting infrastructure.
Pam Ewen, head of planning, climate, and sustainability at Fife Council, said, “The application has been with the council for a significant period and has undergone a number of revisions. I recognise this has created uncertainty for the local community, and we had hoped to complete our assessment and bring the application to the Planning Committee for a decision.”
The council added that Persimmon Homes has advised it that changes in land ownership across the wider Cupar North site, along with rising costs associated with delivering the masterplan, have led to the withdrawal. In particular, the cost of the proposed northern link road and the delivery of a new primary school have presented significant challenges.
Pam added, “The land at Cupar North is still allocated for strategic development within the current Local Development Plan. As part of our ongoing review of the Plan, we will consider future development options for Cupar. We recognise there will be a period of uncertainty while this work is carried out. We intend to publish a Proposed Plan later this year, followed by a public consultation across Fife.”
