WORK on a holiday cabin in Dunfermline has been halted after Fife Council refused retrospective planning permission. 

Paul Simpson had already begun work to erect a single-level holiday home in the Fordell woodland when he applied for permission for the project, and could now be forced to tear down what he has built before enforcement action is pursued. 

He was looking to build a commercial holiday home with the hopes of "providing tourist accommodation and enabling access to the countryside for recreation."

However, a number of objections were raised in relation to the application.

Objectors stated that there were protected species in the area, that the proposed development was contrary to the Fife Local Development Plan's policy regarding development in the countryside, that it would be inappropriate for the site's rural setting, and that it would not be visually appropriate.

They also said that the development would be incongruous with the surrounding natural environment and landscape and that it would not protect the overall landscape and environmental quality of the area.

In refusing the application, a Fife Council planning officer said: "Overall, it is considered that the proposed development is contrary to the development plan, as it would result in unjustified development within the countryside as well as significant detrimental impacts in terms of natural heritage/biodiversity and road safety, with no relevant material considerations of sufficient weight to justify departing therefrom.

"The application is therefore recommended for refusal."