Bid to increase number of homes at controversial Aberdour housing site approved
Plans to increase the number of homes at a controversial Aberdour housing development have been approved.
Cala Homes and Hillside School now have permission to build 186 houses, alongside a new school campus, on the corner of Main Street and Mill Farm Road.
The fresh bid follows the previous approval of 125 houses on appeal to the Scottish Government.
They were originally turned down by councillors following 350 local objections.
Members of Fife Council's west and central planning committee shared many of the residents' concerns.
They fear the development will negatively affect Aberdour, and could lead to traffic congestion.
The effect of extra traffic on a 'nasty' junction near the development site was also raised.
However, councillors were told using those reasons to refuse the application would not stand up if the developer appealed.
Approval will now allow Hillside School to move out of the B-listed Hillside House and into purpose-built accommodation.
The plans also include a mix of three, four and five-bedroom homes, 46 of them affordable.
However, they will cover a 15% smaller area than the previous proposal.
Planning officer Scott Simpson said the site has sufficient capacity to increase the number of homes.
And he added: 'It would integrate well within the existing Aberdour settlement.'
Some concerns remain, however.
Conservative councillor Dave Dempsey's attempt to force the developer to improve the concerning junction was rejected.
However, members have agreed to attach an advisory note to the planning permission saying construction traffic should not use the A921 to enter the site.
Cala Homes will also have to pay £179,000 towards the cost of temporary accommodation at Aberdour Primary School.
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