FAMILIES in Culross are angry about a plan to build a two-storey, modern house in the middle of the conservation village, while the National Trust also have “significant concerns”.

Tim Collins, chair of Culross Community Council, told the Press that the renewal of the plan for the land situated south of 4-6 Mid Causeway had caused issues in the community and have done since permission was first granted in 2009.

Villagers claim the building will affect tourism and Mr Collins said, “There is no way on earth that this application meets the 2012 guidelines and the locals are up in arms about it.” Among 24 objections on Fife Council’s website Culross resident and former community council chairperson Martin McNair said, “Culross is a very unique historic village and it looks the way it does because previous planning committees have done the moral and correct thing in not allowing modern-looking buildings to be erected in prominent locations within the village.

“I urge this planning committee to do the same and refuse this application as I believe there has been absolutely no effort in trying to blend this building’s design into the current setting.

"Please do the moral thing and protect this beautiful village from these plans as our forefathers have done for many generations.” In a letter to Fife Council dated 30th May, the National Trust objected to the proposals over rights of access over the area, established routes, the site forming part of the title for a listed building and the look of the proposed building.

The letter read, “The nature of the trust’s interest is as an adjacent owner with a significant number of houses close by in the village but also including other buildings such as Culross Palace.

“The trust is a conservation charity, conscious of the need to protect the nation’s built heritage and with an established interest in the village of Culross.” It continued that the planning application for the two-storey dwelling house would “undoubtedly damage an area of special character” and that the design of the house “does not reflect or enhance the appearance of surrounding properties” and “does not respect the location or surroundings and would create a break in the continuity of this important and historic streetscape”.

The Press contacted the agent for the developer, a Mr Ryce, who said there was no comment he wished to make at this time.