KINGSEAT will be extended to the east if plans to build 80 new homes are approved by Fife Council.

Gladman Developments Ltd, of Livingston, have applied to develop farmland on either side of Cuddyhouse Road.

Just over seven hectares in size, the site is on the eastern boundary of the village and the plans also include a new roundabout, play area, new paths and cycleways, “extensive” public open space and a community woodland.

A planning statement on behalf of the company said: “This application seeks planning permission in principle for residential development, including affordable housing, access, landscaping, open space and associated engineering works on land at Cuddyhouse Road, Kingseat.

“The proposal is for 80 units (50 market, 30 affordable) and seeks to contribute to the identified and ongoing shortfall in the Dunfermline and West Fife housing market area.

“Development of the site as proposed will contribute to sustainable development, can be delivered without prejudice to an existing or emerging plan and will have benefits which are neither significantly nor demonstrably outweighed by any adverse impacts.”

The site was not included as a site suitable for housing in FIFEplan, the council’s local development plan which states what can be built and where.

Gladman held public exhibitions in Kingseat last September and October to gauge local opinions on their proposals.

The planning statement added: “Feedback was collected at and after the exhibitions. A number of respondents voiced support for the proposals, noting that the proposed development would provide much-needed open space and a play area for children.

“A number of respondents noted that an increase in the population of Kingseat as a result of the proposed development could bring new services/amenities/infrastructure into the settlement.

“Key comments received from the community during the consultation stage have helped to modify the proposals for this site, including redesign of informal paths/cycleways within the site, enlarging the area of open space to the east of Kingseat, repositioning residential and open space pockets at land to the north of Cuddyhouse Road, to create a continuous frontage of residential development, and moving the indicative location of the play area closer to the existing settlement.”

Kingseat has already been extended westwards, with Taylor Wimpey’s development of 59 homes at Kingseat Road.

And the same company has permission to build 1,400 new houses on farmland to the south, a huge site that stretches all the way down to Halbeath.