FAMILIES living in Bellyeoman have accused Fife Council of ignoring their complaints about developer Campion Homes.

The Pitreavie Business Park-based builder have been putting up houses on land at Paton Street and neighbours told the Press back in October that noisy machinery being used before 8am every day on the site was like "water torture".

Graeme Whyte, vice-chairman of Bellyeoman Community Council, said: “It’s been going on for so long and residents have been promised it would change. It’s simply not good enough.

“Problems with drainage affecting the public park that already existed were expected to be taken care of but they are actually getting worse and others have experienced flooding in their gardens due to steel plates embedded on the north of the site.

"Locals thought houses on the east of the site were higher than expected too and are encroaching on privacy. The work is also starting before 8am regularly and on Sundays.

“The community council has tried to support residents with their issues but we have all been left in limbo.

“I did not think that Campion Homes would want to upset neighbours but it does seem that is happening.”

When Campion Homes applied for planning permission at Paton Street it was rejected initially by the Fife Council planning committee but this decision was later overturned on appeal by a Scottish Government Reporter in February 2016. 

In the following months, residents say their complaints have fallen on deaf ears.

At the beginning of May, the community council asked planning officers to investigate their latest concerns and were promised they would be kept advised but they say this has not happened. 

Derek Simpson, Fife Council’s lead officer for development management, said: “All planning complaints that we have received, apart from the one in relation to drainage to the south of the site, have been fully investigated and the complainants informed of the outcome.

"The outstanding on-site drainage query is currently being investigated and the complainer will be kept updated on this matter.

“We are aware that works have occurred outwith the hours specified in the planning consent and these infringements have been raised directly with the developer who has provided assurances that they will comply with the working time restrictions. 

“Our investigations into building heights and supporting walls show that works have been carried out in accordance with the approved planning permission.

“The reported drainage issues affecting land outwith the site would be a private civil matter between the relevant land owners and the developer.

“We are unaware of any unresolved complaints from Bellyeoman Community Council but will contact them to clarify any queries they consider to still be outstanding.”

A spokesman for Campion Homes said: "Campion Homes have adhered to all planning conditions and acted upon any issues raised by Fife Council's planning department.

"With regard to seepage water and flooding affecting the public park, Campion Homes carried out a dilapidation survey prior to commencing works on site, which identified existing flooding issues in this area. 

"This was also confirmed through comments from the general public to a Facebook post by Councillor Gavin Ellis on this subject."