CONCERNS remain over a multi-million pound development which could see hundreds of homes built in Cairneyhill.

Five years ago, the Forrester family, who are behind the Forrester Park Golf Resort, had ambitious plans to put up a luxury five-star hotel, new nine-hole golf course, 140 houses, fishing loch, holiday chalets and an equestrian centre on land next to Pitdinnie.

It didn’t get past the planning stage but the idea was reworked, and a proposal of application notice (PAN) agreed for Gladedale Estates to build up to 110 homes.

Now Avant Homes – the new name of the Gladedale Group – has submitted a fresh PAN which extends the footprint of the site.

The previous PAN covered an 9.7-hectare site west of Pitdinnie Road, but the new application is for 15.3 hectares and includes an area east of Pitdinnie Road.

Avant Homes held a public meeting on Thursday (pictured) but concerns among residents remain – although community council chair Allan Arbuthnott said the developers had “taken on board” issues raised at a previous public meeting in June.

Mr Arbuthnott told the Press, “There was concern over the separation distance between the proposed houses and homes on Grey Craigs and Glenavon Drive.

“That has been increased from six metres to 30m. The gap would have trees and bushes and pathways and also forms the drainage ditch which would protect the village from any possible run-off from the fields. The separation distance will be up to the residents who border on it to say if they’re happy with it.

“I spoke to a couple whose house is in the area and they’re quite pleased because they understand that the houses that will be built will have their back gardens bordering it as well.

“That’s the understanding but a lot can happen when they bring in the detailed plans.

“On flooding, they have an area to the east of Pitdinnie Road where they’ll be putting in SUDS (sustainable drainage systems).

“Again, these things are all right on a piece of paper, but they’ve taken on board the very deep concerns on the community over flooding – it’s important they get the right level of protection put in for the village.” However, fears remain over suitable vehicle access to the sites, added pressures on facilities and the lack of green space, as well as the possibility that the proposed development could open Cairneyhill up to 360 new homes under the FIFEplan.

Mr Arbuthnott said, “My understanding is that the plans are for 100 homes but 360 homes could still be on the cards – and 100 homes is still a lot of bring into the village.

"We don’t support large-scale developments in the village because it’s not sustainable. We just can’t increase the infrastructure, there’s not enough space.

“It would be so difficult for the village and doesn’t bear thinking about how we will cope.” Andrew Trigger, Avant Homes’ strategic land manager, said the meeting had been “positive”.

He added, “It’s understandable there are people who are concerned – any change from open farmland to housing is an almost irreversible change that people don’t always like.

“Other people understand that the village has to change, and it has done over the last decade, and there were some people who were looking to buy if they could get a house.

“The council are proposing that it’s a site suitable for housing. As part of the housing we’re looking to benefit the village primarily through flood mitigation measures, and road improvements will have to go in before the houses are built.

“This is not a done deal and will be subject to further planning processes and public scrutiny.” Comments can be emailed to info@geddesconsulting.com or sent to Geddes Consulting, The Quadrant, 17 Bernard Street, Edinburgh EH6 6PW.