THE deadline for comments on plans to redevelop Prestonhill Quarry has been extended until later this month.

Last month, the Press reported that fresh plans had been lodged by DDR (UK) Ltd for the Inverkeithing site which, if agreed, would see the creation of 180 homes, holiday lodges as well as a hilltop bar/bistro.

An initial deadline for comments had been set for today (Thursday) however, due to the impact of Christmas and postal strikes affecting delivery of neighbour notifications, this has now been put back until January 23.

The applicants say the mixed development is the "only way" to remove public safety concerns over the quarry.

They were denied planning permission for the site by the council's central and west area planning committee in February last year and the latest proposals come just months after the Scottish Government dismissed their appeal against the decision.

Local councillor David Barratt has called the latest application into question, saying he was "puzzled" why Fife Council would accept fresh plans so soon after the appeal.

"At first glance, it is not immediately clear to me what has changed from the application refused just a few months ago," he said.

"As for why a fresh application is being allowed so soon after refusal, I have asked the council's planning team."

Planning service manager Mary Stewart told the Press last month that it would be "unreasonable" to not accept the application as the applicant had included further information and amended the proposal to address the issues that led to refusal.

DDR's plans also include 45 affordable homes, relocation and enhancement of the Fife Coastal Path, removing "dangerous rock faces", public open space, landscaping, a second link road from Fraser Avenue and the reconstruction and relocation of Beamer Rock lighthouse.