A DEVELOPER could make Saline parking glad by resolving an age-old problem in the village.

Stephen Garry, of Peebles, was given planning permission last month to build 39 affordable homes on agricultural land to the south of the B913 West Road.

And as part of the deal he's willing to turn a parcel of land into extra parking which should help ease road safety fears and traffic issues in Saline.

West Fife and Coastal Villages councillor Conner Young has been involved in the discussions and told the Press: "Saline has had, for a long time, quite dangerous levels of inadequate parking, particularly around the shop and at drop-off and pick-up times at the school.

"It's a big issue and a lot of people are worried it could lead to an accident.

"By providing this extra parking, although I understand it's a little distance from the shop, it should benefit everyone and hopefully improve safety."

He continued: "If you're going to build houses in a place like Saline you have to engage with the community council, and the community at large.

"New houses mean more cars, he understood that and wanted to do something that will help.

"If it all goes to plan it's a glowing example of the good that can come from working together.

"Let's face it, if these houses weren't being built it wouldn't happen, as Fife Council weren't planning on doing much about it."

The west and central planning committee backed the plans which will see new homes built on 1.6 hectares of agricultural land next to the Main Street car park.

There will be 15 two-storey family homes and 24 single storey bungalows – assisted living properties for older people – as well as a community hub, parking, drainage, infrastructure works and a new access road.

Cllr Young added: "For good reason, Fife Council insist on such developments having a community benefit and Stephen has been one of the most approachable developers that you will find.

"He wants something that works for the village, he asked and they said extra parking would be a godsend.

"Now it's about working out who's doing what."