THE CONTROVERSIAL application to build 42 houses on the land near the Great North Road, in Kelty, has been given the go-ahead after months of waiting.

Kelty residents and councillors had previously voiced concerns about the two-phase project by Persimmon Homes and plans were put on hold back in August to organise a site visit.

The original proposal was met with concern from various parts of the community, including councillors and a residents’ committee. The Blairadam Fields Action Group organised a petition against the plans and many Kelty residents lodged objections amid a number of concerns, including the standard of housing, transportation issues and flooding.

Under advice from the planning department, Persimmon withdrew part of their planning application and submitted a revised version in September, which has now been given the green light.

The first phase of 16 houses was approved in October, and now the plans for the remaining 42 houses have also been approved, but the development is subject to conditions which include providing details of a playpark strategy, a sustainable drainage strategy; and ensuring adequate parking provisions for residents.

Jim Kirkpatrick, managing director at Persimmon Homes East Scotland, said, “We are pleased to have received planning approval for the development of 42 new homes providing much needed affordable housing within the Kelty area.

“The planning approval is conditioned and as the developer, we have submitted supporting information to Fife Council’s planning department in order to discharge the conditions.

“We are committed to delivering these homes to Great North Road and work on the foundations will commence imminently, with the construction of the homes following as soon as the conditions from the planning authority have been determined.”