FRESH plans for the rebuilding of a cottage in Low Valleyfield have been rejected despite councillors agreeing the proposals were better than previous ones.
Members of Fife Council's west and central planning committee considered revamped plans for the category B listed West End Cottage on Main Street.
Owner Sally-Anne Featherstone had applied for permission to erect two one-and-a-half storey extensions to the rear and side of the cottage with alterations, some partly retrospective, to boundary walls and the installation of a gate.
Ms Featherstone has previously told the Press that the building was a “danger to public safety” until she took steps to minimise the risk and that the council “failed in their duty” to protect the category B listed property before she bought it.
READ MORE: Fife Council refuse listed cottage plans in Low Valleyfield
Last November, after refusing planning permission and starting enforcement action, the council had stated that "unconsented works" had already taken place with the roof removed and walls partly knocked down.
At last week's committee, a report from planners said that the cottage dates back to the 1750s and underwent significant works in the 1980s.
The B listed cottage in Low Valleyfield which has had another planning application rejected. (Image: Fife Council)
It said: "It is considered that the proposed development as submitted by the applicant would fail to preserve or enhance the character of the listed building and is therefore not acceptable.
"The proposal is inconsistent with its design approach through the adoption of modern materials yet traditional proportions.
"Furthermore, the way in which the rear extension ties into the existing cottage further serves to undermine the character of the cottage and confuse the distinction between the new and the old."
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Councillor Sam Steele said: "There has been such a dramatic amount of work done already on it so it is kind of a bit different to other listed building applications we have seen.
"The fabrics have been drastically altered over the years.
"On balance, they have reduced the scale of the proposed extension and it seems really unfortunate that if we refuse this application, it is going to be another empty property sitting in Fife that could be habitable."
While acknowledging that the plans were an "improvement" on previous applications, planner Fiona Baxter said: "The assessment is the impact on the original building in terms of its character and fabric not whether it is an improvement to the original application."
Committee convener, Councillor David Barratt, said: "I think it is better that the materials have changed to make a clear distinction but I think the scale is still quite significant and the, on balance, I am still minded to agree with officers."
Councillors refused the applications and agreed that the enforcement action would continue.
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