MUIR HOMES will appeal the decision by councillors to block plans to build on a "derelict eyesore" in Dalgety Bay.

The developer had submitted plans for 35 new houses on a vacant brownfield site off Fulmar Way but the proposal was refused by Fife Council's West and Central planning committee yesterday (Wednesday).

The 1.6 hectare plot was designated for up to 50 houses in Fife Council’s 2017 Local Development Plan and has, according to Muir Homes, lain vacant for more than 20 years.

The application was turned down on the basis that access from Fulmar Way was not acceptable.

Another concern was that potential residents would be impacted by industrial noise and light pollution

Nicola McCowan Hill, Land and Planning Manager at Muir Homes commented: "We are very disappointed that this planning application for these much needed homes which would transform a brownfield site, which has been derelict for over 20 years and already zoned for housing, has been rejected.

"We will be appealing this decision.

"This is an allocated housing site with tangible local support.

"There is clear housing need for affordable and private homes in the area.

"We have undertaken extensive and thorough consultation with the local community who are supportive of our plans and recognise the desperate need for new housing in Dalgety Bay."

All 35 homes would be equipped with photovoltaic panels for electricity generation, energy efficient heating and be built to a high standard to reduce heat loss.

Previous applications from Muir Homes for 47, 51 and then 44 properties were refused in March 2015, February 2017 and April 2018 respectively.

A pressing concern was access from Otterston Grove, as initially proposed.

However, new plans for access via Fulmar Way were also unacceptable, with Cllr John Beare admitting the site was "beginning to look like it is undeliverable".

He added: "Frankly, it looks like the only acceptable way into the site is by helicopter to get cars in and out."

A report to the planning committee explained: "In isolation the proposal would provide an attractive, welcoming, high quality development.

"However,  it is not compatible with the neighbouring uses or in keeping with the character and appearance of the surrounding built environment, which is primarily an industrial estate.

"Vehicle access from Fulmar Way will pose a conflict between the proposed residential use and the existing industrial estate surrounding the site."

Of the units created, nine would be designated for affordable rent in partnership with Kingdom Housing Association.

The further 26 would be made available for private sale.

Ms McGowan Hill continued: "The site is a derelict eyesore, with no other applications or uses being proposed.

"Our plan would transform derelict site into high quality homes for local families.

"Along with the attractive and environmentally friendly new homes, it will improve the amenity of the whole area for new and existing residents with new footpath connections, better usable open space and playpark.

"It is important to mention that there are no objections to this proposed development other than transportation in relation to site access.

"We have bent over backwards to consider and adapt our plans to take this into account to help create these much needed private and affordable new homes for the local community.

"We had originally proposed one access route which was discouraged so have amended our plans based on this feedback from the local community, yet our plan is still being rejected."