Plans approved for 97 homes for social rent in Cowdenbeath
Plans to build 97 new affordable homes on the outskirts of Cowdenbeath have been given the green light by Fife Council.
Four hectares of arable land off Lochgelly Road in Lumphinnans was earmarked for a mix of terraced and semi-detached homes as well as two and three-bed bungalows with wheelchair access.
Fife Council intends to buy all the units once completed by Aberdeen-based First Endeavour LLP, which said it wants to “develop a range of dwelling types and size that afford opportunities to a wide range of end users in the social housing sector”.
The developer added: “Access to the site will be provided by a single vehicular entrance point. This will be through an existing cul-de-sac, accessed directly from Lochgelly Road.
“Shared streets will be broken down into smaller sections and will accommodate on-street visitor parking interlaced with street trees or planting areas.
“The streetscape will be punctuated with nodes and courtyards, creating distinct individual character zones.”
All of the homes will also be equipped with solar panels.
Planners recommended approval for the development and councillors unanimously agreed.
Case officer Jamie Penman said: “The proposed development presents an efficient design which effectively manages several site constraints in order to realise the sensitive development, of a long-term allocated site.
“The development of this site would provide much needed affordable housing, in an area which has an established need.
“The site is located within a sustainable location, close to public transport and walking links which would reduce the reliance on private car trips.
“Furthermore, no significant concerns would be raised with regard to design/visual impacts, residential amenity impacts, road safety impacts, flooding/drainage impacts or natural heritage impacts.”