A developer hoping to build 35 new homes on "derelict" land in Dalgety Bay has expressed its disappointment as planning officials have recommended the plans are rejected.
Proposals by housebuilder Muir Homes will be considered by councillors at a meeting of West and Central Planning Committee this Wednesday.
If approved, the firm would be able to move forward on a planned development off Fulmar Way.
But officials have recommended that the project be turned down on the basis that access from Fulmar Way is not suitable.
There are also issues surrounding a stretch of land, owned by Fife Housing Group, which would become a footpath link to the existing residential area of Meadowfield.
Nicola McCowan Hill, Land and Planning Manager at Muir Homes, said: "It is really disappointing to see planning officials recommend that this site be rejected because of access from Fulmar Way.
"We know the only other option, from Otterston Grove, was not popular with local residents.
"The planning officer previously noted the unpopularity, and unsuitability, in their report to the planning committee who refused that application.
"We undertook our own thorough consultation and we know local people want the site to be developed for housing and accessed from Fulmar Way.
"I really hope the planning committee will take notice of what local residents want and grant consent for this proposal.
"This would allow this derelict land to be used as homes for dozens of families."
The developer says it has carried out its own consultation with residents and nearby businesses and found there to be support for new housing in the area with no strong objections.
It also says discussions are ongoing with Fife Housing Group over the problematic stretch of land.
The 1.6 hectare plot was designated for up to 50 houses in Fife Council’s 2017 Local Development Plan and has, says Muir Homes, lain vacant for more than 20 years.
Three previous attempts by the Inverkeithing-based group to develop the land have been refused.
In January, when the latest set of plans were unveiled, Muir Homes said Fife Council was acting in a "contradictory" way by allocating the land for housing but then rejecting the only possible vehicle access routes into the site.
Previous applications from Muir Homes for 47, 51 and then 44 homes were refused in March 2015, February 2017 and April 2018 respectively.
Ms McGowan Hill continued: "Given the site is zoned for housing in the council’s own Local Development Plan, there would be pressure for a new proposal which would revert to access from Otterston Grove if these plans were not accepted.
"On the proposed pedestrian link to Meadowfield, we are currently in contact with Fife Housing Group.
"We would understand if this was added as a condition for planning permission, but this is certainly not a reason to refuse the application altogether.
"Muir Homes is a reputable, family run, local housebuilder and employer.
"We would relish the opportunity to bring this land back into use and deliver much needed homes in the area.
"This would positively contribute to the local economy with new jobs and investment in the area."
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