Concern Over Dunfermline Development

The demolition of a historic Victorian house in Dunfermline has led to the launch of a campaign to save the site from over development.

More than 80 objections have been made which would see 10 flats built on Townhill Road. Residents had disagreed with the demolition of the original building and believe the flats will not be in keeping with the rest of the street. The project includes creating up to 20 car parking spaces. 

A spokesperson for the residents group, Keith Omond, said: "The majority of people living in the area are supportive of the planning permission in principle for two houses, even though we were disappointed that Hillpark House would be demolished to make way for them.  

"However, the sudden demolition and clearance of all the mature woodland at the start of this year was quickly followed by a new application for two very large three-storey prefabricated type flats with balconies.  We were obviously appalled and felt we needed to stand up for the rights of the local neighbourhood and, in particular, preserve the character of the area."

"We've gathered considerable support from our Community Council, as well as our local MSP, Cara Hilton, and while we're bitterly disappointed that the Fife Planning Department has supported this application, we're willing to keep on campaigning for common sense to prevail at the West Fife Planning Committee, which sits on the 23 September."

"We're just worried that the developer is looking to cram as many flats as they can into a small space, rather than building homes that will complement an historic part of Dunfermline where the majority of the houses have been around more than 100 years."

A Fife Council spokesperson says the local authority is unable to comment on live planning applications.