Plans for what will be almost 100 new council homes in Cowdenbeath have been given the go ahead by councillors.

Aberdeen-based developer First Endeavour want to create 97 properties on land to the south of Lochgelly Road, with Fife Council intending to buy all the units on site once complete to provide social rented housing.

The blueprint for the site, which has Cowdenbeath Golf Course to the east and south east and the railway line to the west, includes 20 semi-detached bungalows, a mix of 77 semi-detached and terraced two-storey houses, car parking, landscaping and a play park.

All of the affordable housing will also be equipped with solar panels as a renewable energy source.

Six objections were lodged with Fife Council in opposition to the plans, citing the development’s impact on road safety, the fact it only has one single point of access into the site from Lochgelly Road, and the impact on the existing levels of privacy and sunlight properties to the north of the site currently enjoy.

However, planners recommended approval for the development and councillors unanimously agreed.

Case officer Jamie Penman commented: “The proposed development presents an efficient design which effectively manages several site constraints in order to realise the sensitive development, of a long-term allocated site. 

“The development of this site would provide much needed affordable housing, in an area which has an established need. 

“The site is located within a sustainable location, close to public transport and walking links which would reduce the reliance on private car trips. 

“Furthermore, no significant concerns would be raised with regard to design/visual impacts, residential amenity impacts, road safety impacts, flooding/drainage impacts or natural heritage impacts.”

Local councillor Alistair Bain said he welcomed the development of new council housing, but expressed concern about the steep access road from Lochgelly Road into the site – particularly in winter months.

“I think we need something there – at the very least some bollards to stop cars sliding into gardens or houses,” he said.

Mr Penman noted that the council’s transportation service has been consulted and had no objections, although he said Mr Bain’s concerns could be picked up when an application for roads construction consent is considered for the development.

Councillors also heard there are plans for a perimeter path going around the development to be extended to Glenfarg Crescent, which would greatly reduce journey times into the town centre.