Published: Thursday, 9th October, 2008 12:30
Clarke breaks Meedies Neuk silence
By Peter Swindon
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Councillor Willie Clarke has finally broke his silence on a dispute over the demolition of a dilapidated building dubbed a “death trap”.
He vowed to use new powers, which allow councillors to do anything they consider will improve their area, to force Lochgelly-based property developer, Ian Sneddon, to flatten the Meedies Neuk.
In October 2007 Mr Sneddon secured permission to build fourteen flats on the site. However, a stand-off over a shared access road has meant the building has been left standing.
Mr Sneddon claims the owners of the road, Lochore Welfare Football Club, haven’t taken him up on an offer to upgrade the dirt track, leaving him no option but to delay the demolition and subsequent development.
The club wants the developer to cough up more cash, over and above the £25,000 outlay for a new road.
Mr Sneddon saw a new application, which included proposals for an access from Main Street, blocked by Fife Council last week.
Councillor Alex Rowley has long called for the building to be levelled, calling it a "death trap" for local children, who have been seen clambering on the crumbling structure.
But as chairman of Lochore Welfare Football Club, Councillor Clarke has kept out of the row - until now.
“This is now not a planning situation for me – it is a safety situation,” he told the Times. “This is a very dangerous building which is adjacent to a children’s play area, and with the October school holiday and the dark nights approaching, it is causing both myself and Councillor Rowley great concern.
“Lochore Welfare Football Club has no problem with Mr Sneddon using the access for demolition purposes - his building is causing a problem and that’s his responsibility - but as far as access to new flats goes, there’s no way he can walk away with thousands of pounds in profit without contributing to the club.
“I’m sorry. That’s not how it works. It’s not unreasonable to ask for a contribution to what is a not-for-profit organisation which benefits the local area.”
The council has now sent surveyors to asses the building. If they don’t order urgent demolition Councillor Clarke plans to use new powers introduced under the Local Government in Scotland Act to force Mr Sneddon’s hand.
“Councillor Rowley and I will meet with officers to discuss the surveyor’s report next week. Hopefully we’ll get the decision for demolition but, if we don’t, we’ll press for the The Power To Advance Well-being to be used,” Councillor Clarke added.
Mr Sneddon said Lochore Welfare is the “stumbling block” to progress.
“I’ve spent money on a planning application, I’ve paid the council £22,000 in lieu of social housing and a park upgrade, and I’ve offered to spend £25,000 upgrading the club’s road,” Mr Sneddon said. “I’m reluctant to spend any more money on that site until I’m in a position to start work. In the meantime, as I’ve always said, I will endeavour to keep the building safe and secure.”
The developer now plans to appeal the council’s decision to refuse his recent application for fourteen flats with access from Main Street.
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