THE firm denied the chance to build new homes in Aberdour said it was a "bad decision" by Fife Council and did not rule out an appeal. 

Cala Homes were unhappy after two controversial plans for a a total of 165 new homes in Aberdour were knocked back - although the move was welcomed by community groups.

A spokesman for the housebuilder said: “This decision represents a bad decision for all of those looking for a new home in the area, whether it be first-time buyers or those on the waiting list for affordable housing. These needs will now continue to go unmet.

“We will now carefully consider our options before we decide what our next steps will be.”

The separate applications from Cala Homes and Campion Homes attracted more than 1,500 objections and councillors on the west planning committee rejected the proposals at their meeting.

Cala had wanted to build around 85 homes on land to the south of Main Street while Campion aimed to erect 80 houses at Nether Bouprie Farm – neither site is in FIFEplan, the local development plan for Fife Council which sets out what can be built and where.

Lesley Laird, MP for Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath, had called on councillors to refuse the plans and after the meeting she said: “I am delighted for the Aberdour community that their long struggle has, at least for today, been rewarded by a just and fair decision from the west planning committee.

“Cala’s relentless pursuit of this site was absolutely typified by its attempts earlier today, through an email sent by its PR agency to all councillors, to undermine the residents group and my own attempts to ensure a level playing field.

“The fact they hired a PR company to protect their interests simply gives further weight to the call by Scottish Labour for reform of the planning system.

“A decision to build houses based on housing shortage should be evidenced by sound facts – not on old data which in only two weeks’ time may be disputed by SESplan 2.

“Furthermore, even if housing need is soundly established, it’s imperative the right site is chosen for development. The Scottish Government reporter previously threw Cala’s application out for those very reasons – and if an appeal is forthcoming, I would hope that, in this case, history will repeat itself.

“It really is David v Goliath. Today, David won. Let’s hope they can enjoy their victory without further threat of bulldozers.”

Objectors – there were 855 for Cala’s plans and 729 for Campion’s – had said approval would lead to capacity problems at Aberdour Primary School and Fife Council said “temporary classroom accommodation” in the school grounds would be required for at least 18 months, at a cost of £330,000 to developers.

Concerns were also raised about drainage, road safety, traffic congestion, loss of views, the “unacceptable burden” on the health service in Aberdour, and that the village would be increased in size by 17 per cent.

Aberdour Community Council chairperson Iain Fleming said: “I think they have made the right decision, obviously.

“We understand that both developers are entitled to appeal and they are entitled to reapply and that is the situation with the planning situation as it is.

“All we can do is thank everyone for taking the time to express their views in the process and we would encourage everyone to ensure that they express their views again.

“There are many people who have done a huge amount of work in the village to galvanise public opinion and make sure information was put in front of lots of people and we would thank everyone responsible for that.”

A spokesperson for the Easter Aberdour Residents Group said they were delighted to hear that the committee had made the “right decision” on both sites.

“We’re pleased that the village voice is being listened to and recognised and hope that continues throughout any further process,” he added.

The Cala spokesperson told the Press: "There is clear need and demand for new housing across the local housing market area, of which Aberdour is part, that is not being met through existing land supply.

“Throughout the process, we liaised with council planning officials to ensure that the proposal addressed all technical matters, and this concluded that there was no legitimate planning reason to refuse the application, other than it appears local public opinion."

The Press contacted Campion Homes, however, they declined to comment.