Latest news with #HillsideSchool
The Courier
22-05-2025
- Business
- The Courier
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.
The Courier
15-05-2025
- Business
- The Courier
Plans to increase number of homes at controversial Aberdour site set for approval
Plans to increase the number of homes at a controversial Aberdour housing development will go before councillors next week. Cala Homes and Hillside School now want to build 186 houses, alongside a new school campus. A previous bid for 125 homes was approved by the Scottish Government on appeal. It followed refusal by Fife Council after 350 local objections. Eighty people have now objected to the fresh application. However, planning officers have hailed it as welcoming and high-quality, and are recommending approval. Planning papers to be considered on Wednesday reveal construction will take more than five-and-a-half years if the proposal goes ahead. Further details of the site's layout and how many homes will be built in each stage are also set out. Cala Homes and Hillside School submitted their latest planning application in December. If approved, it would allow Hillside School to move out of the B-listed Hillside House and into purpose-built accommodation. The plans include a mix of three, four and five-bedroom homes, 46 of them affordable. However, they would cover a 15% smaller area than the previous proposal. Construction would take place in five phases, starting with 46 houses at the western end. This would allow Hillside School to remain open while the new campus is built. A vehicular access from Mill Farm Road would also be created in the first phase. Access from Main Street would come later, while the plans also show multiple pedestrian and cycle accesses and an internal loop road. Objectors fear the development would alter Aberdour's character and cause traffic congestion in the village. They are also concerned about the impact on the primary school and health services. But planning officer Scott Simpson says the site has sufficient capacity to increase the number of homes. And he adds: 'It would integrate well within the existing Aberdour settlement.' Should planning permission be granted, the developer will have to pay more than £179,000 towards the cost of temporary accommodation at Aberdour Primary. Meanwhile, an economic impact assessment suggests construction would create 250 full-time jobs. This could result in a £31.6 million boost to local businesses.
