Kingdom Housing Association has completed a major exercise in community consultation over its proposals to develop 49 affordable houses at Pitscottie Road in Cupar.

Having secured planning consent in principle in April last year, the Association began consulting on its detailed proposals last September. This involved several community meetings, which concluded last week, when specific proposals for safe pedestrian access around the Tarvit Avenue/ Pitscottie Road junction were discussed with local residents.

Alan Henderson, Kingdom’s land and planning manager, said: “This has been a very extensive and worthwhile process. Consultation with Cupar Community Council has been very helpful, and we have made a number of adjustments to the layout and access, following public comments and ongoing dialogue with the local community. We now hope Fife Council will grant us detailed planning consent, which will allow us to begin construction later this year.

“It is recognized that a number of neighbours do not support our development, and could not be persuaded otherwise, but we believe we have a scheme which both meets the planning tests asked of it and carries broad community support. It is certainly much-needed, given the very large waiting list for affordable housing in the town.”

Representing an investment of £6 million by the Scottish Government, Fife Council and Kingdom Housing Association, development will provide a mix of single and two-storey homes, ranging from 1 to 4 bedrooms.

The aim is to help meet a range of needs for affordable rented homes from single people, families, older people, and those with particular needs. The Association’s rigorous standards provide low energy use; attractive and accessible design; and a secure environment.

It is also the Association’s intention to promote wider community benefits through developing projects with local schools and establishing a construction training initiative.