A MEETING where several major developments were to be decided was postponed because not enough councillors turned up.

Fife Council’s west planning committee didn’t go ahead last Wednesday and had to be adjourned when just six of the 15 members attended.

David Henderson, committee manager, said: “It is usual practice that at least 50 per cent of members must be present for a meeting to go-ahead.

“It’s definitely quite unusual for such a thing to happen and normally there is a full turnout.

“Seven members of the committee sent their apologies before the meeting but unfortunately two members were unaccounted for.

“As only six councillors were present there wasn’t enough to get started with matters.”

The committee was due to rule on some major developments in the area, including the controversial demolition of the old Inverkeithing Primary School by Allanwater Developments, which was recommended for refusal.

The company believe the only way viable housing can be built is to demolish the listed building.

A decision was also expected on disused land next to Lynebank Hospital in Dunfermline which would be turned into 114 new homes.

NHS Fife have teamed up with BDW Trading Ltd – part of Barratt Homes – to develop an area to the south of their facility.

The site has been cleared to enable housebuilding, with two-, three- and four-bedroom homes and cottage flats proposed.

Members of the committee were also to discuss whether the former Stephen’s bakery on St Margaret Street could be converted into five flats.

Acting convener Councillor Helen Law declared the meeting would be adjourned until a future date at 2.15pm.

Councillors Alex Campbell and Andrew Verrecchia did not send their apologies before the start of the committee.

However, it has now been confirmed that Cllr Campbell is no longer a member of that committee and there had been an admin error.

Cllr Verrecchia said: “I offer no excuse other than I completely forgot to submit my apologies. I had plenty of time to do so and as I knew I had something that clashed but I just completely forgot.”

The committee has now been rescheduled for December 18.