RESPONSE TO FIFE COUNCIL'S CONSULTATION ST ANDREWS AND EAST FIFE DRAFT LOCAL PLAN

Sixty concerned residents packed into Memorial Hall on Thursday 21st April to voice their opinions for inclusion in the Community Council response to the proposal to build 70 houses south of Osnaburgh Court.

It was not regarded as sensible local planning for the following reasons:

1. Justification- Was this developer-led or politically-led? Had the landowner been consulted? Why were 70 houses proposed for tiny Dairsie and only 28 for Strathkinness? Was Dairsie to be a satellite station for St Andrews, Dundee and Glenrothes?
2. Aesthetics- This is a quiet rural village. There were objections to the density of the proposal. Dairsie's unique character and environment would be irreversibly altered for the worse by what is perceived as a blot on the landscape in this area of outstanding natural beauty.
3. Inconsistency - It is contrary to existing Government Policy and Guidance as set out in the Fife Structure Plan 2002. It is outside the village settlement area and there are road safety and environmental difficulties.
4. Road Safety-Increased housing in Cupar and Dairsie would generate increased traffic through Main Street causing difficulty in crossing the road. A pedestrian crossing is required. There are major road safety concerns at the two junctions on to Main Street from Ardencaple Tce and Station Road. The eastern junction of Osnaburgh Court with Station Road is perceived as a particular hazard. It is next to a blind corner and a second junction to Edenbank Farm, which has regular agricultural vehicle movement. Dairsie Bridge is a dangerous bottleneck. There is already "rat run" traffic. More traffic crossing Dairsie Bridge could damage this historic structure. Is Fife Council prepared to repair it or build another bridge?
5. Transport -Dairsie is not regarded as being well supplied with public transport. If there are more children extra or bigger school buses would be required and Bell Baxter is already at capacity.
6. Education - It was agreed there was a need to maintain the school roll but there was no guarantee people would send their children to the local school. There was a need to extend secondary school facilities in North East Fife.
7. Employment- Where would all these new residents work? More commuters would be created.
8. Health Facilities - Health professionals are already vastly overloaded.
9. Sewage- It is believed the sewage system would require to be upgraded and any extra outfall of treated sewage into the River Eden would be detrimental to the environment particularly as the Tay and Eden estuaries are protected areas and Dairsie is on the immediate fringe.
10. Road and pavement repairs -Surfaces are in disappointing disrepair. Address present infrastructure issues.
11. Village Hall - Would funding be available to expand facilities?

In favour of development south of village -0

Against 50 Abstentions 10

Other site North of village- In Favour 13, Against 29

Dairsie residents are unanimous in maintaining the unique rural character of this village and the outstanding surrounding landscape and environment. No one wants Dairsie to become another Balmullo.