As part of the project, the children were reminded of the importance of their STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) and how important that each one is in creating sustainable developments.

There was also an opportunity for the children to learn more about Fife Council’s new Local Development Plan (LDP), which will replace the existing FIFEplan, as well as the concept of the 20-minute neighbourhood. This is the idea of a connected community, where people can meet the majority of their daily needs within a reasonable walk, wheel, cycle or short trip of their home.

As part of Fife Council’s engagement with young people in order to make the new LDP meaningful and helpful, the children also had the opportunity to take part in a worksheet that encourages children to think about their community, what they like about it and what improvements they would like to see.

Bringing the children’s learning to life and creating an engaging STEM activity was a great opportunity for the team as Eve McCurrich, managing director for Whiteburn, said: “We are mindful that we want our Viewforth development to provide a positive contribution to the local community and we want to be more than just a developer.

“It’s also been great to partner with Fife Council’s planning department to get the children directly involved in their engagement process that’s underway for the new LDP. I’m sure their ideas and insights will provide a valuable contribution into aspects of the new LDP as it emerges.

“Where we can, we want to help support and be part of the local community and working with the children at Sinclairtown Primary allows us to do just that.

“Additionally, promoting the importance of STEM subjects and showing how they are essential within our industry, I hope helps to inspire the next generation and it is our way of helping to futureproof the industry.”

Mrs Paulene Bradshaw, Head Teacher at Sinclairtown Primary School in Kirkcaldy added: “We were delighted to welcome the team from Viewforth back into our school. The practical STEM sessions were a real hit with the Primary 7 children who had the opportunity to apply the STEM skills that they have developed over the years, which helps to consolidate their learning in a fun and interesting way.”

Fife Council’s planning spokesperson, Councillor Altany Craik, commented: “This is a fantastic initiative, giving our young people a chance to see planning in practice and get them thinking about their community and what they’d like to see. Thanks so much to Whiteburn for bringing this to life in their workshop and engaging so brilliantly with the children.”