ABERDOUR families have underlined their opposition to Cala Homes' plans to build up to 100 new homes south of Main Street.

Last month, the Press told you that the village could see the development built if “exciting and positive” plans from Cala Homes were approved.

The site was one of eight removed for housing under the FIFEplan local development plan in September 2014.

The FIFEplan is currently with the Scottish Government for approval but Cala have asked for the site to be reinstated and on December 29 submitted a Proposal of Application Notice (PAN).

Cala met Aberdour Community Council in November and will now hold a public event on the plans on Thursday, February 18, from 2-8pm at St Fillan's Church Hall.

However, community council member Alex Kelly, told the Press: “Most of the community council and residents are quite vigorously opposed to the development.

“The development plan is under consideration at the moment but Cala has decided not to wait and is going ahead with proposals.

“It will alter the character of the village quite substantially and will lead to an increase in the population.

“It's an area of special landscape value and there will be a considerable effect on passing tourism and people using Silver Sands. It will be very visible for tourists coming up the Forth in boats.

“A council assessment said the effect on the landscape could be mitigated through 'sensitive design' – that was done on a laptop in Glenrothes and was for 40 affordable houses. Cala is going for 100.

“Their argument is that it's an enclosed space and therefore a natural extension to the village.

“But as soon as you build in that field, the natural extension becomes the next field.

“Where does it stop? It could lead to other developments on the other side of the road and in fields further up.

“Any preservation of the landscape is already skewed in favour of the development's views of Edinburgh rather than for the community.”

Mr Kelly also raised concerns about increased pressure on the limited parking and infrastructure: "The sewage treatment plant has limited capacity and my understanding is that it's just macerated and flushed into the Forth.”

He also called for the Scottish planning system to be “streamlined”, adding: “What we have here is an inconsistent process.

“Originally, the site was assessed for 40 affordable houses under the FIFEplan. Having been assessed, there was an outcry and because of the pressure it was withdrawn.

“People wrote in saying they supported its withdrawal, now they'll have to write in saying we oppose it going back in again.”

Cala Homes (East) strategic land director Derek Lawson confirmed that it had requested the site be reinstated in the local development plan.

He said: “The council accepts that it has a shortfall in effective housing land and the site in Aberdour could provide additional homes in the area.

“Since this process is in the very early stages, the number and type of homes that will be put forward is a long way from being determined.

“Public consultation is a key element in the due planning process and we look forward to engaging with as many local people as possible to share further details of what could be a positive development for the community.”