PLANS for a new roadside cafe on the outskirts of Kelty, that were backed by more than 200 people, have been refused by Fife Council.

John Day's proposed new venture at The Dairy, Cantsdam, on the Old Perth Road, were also supported by Kelty Community Council while a care home in the village said its residents would be regulars.

He had applied for a change of use from a house to a cafe, which would serve hot and cold snacks and drinks, as well as alterations for vehicle access, but planning officers said the plans were "inappropriate and unjustified".

They said there was no justification for using a "countryside location" and there were concerns about road safety.

A planning statement on Mr Day's behalf had said: "Any party who knows the area well will be acutely aware of the lack of a café facility to cater principally for the needs of those that visit this rural locale for recreational purposes and for those living out of town."

It continued: "Essentially the presence of a place to stop, rest, get a warm, drink, eat and socialise, is vital for a rural location which is regularly frequented by day trippers and used by walkers, cyclists, bird watchers and anglers."

A report by Fife Council planners said: "The community council considers that, since the closure of the Baxters tea room, the village has lacked a facility for the many walkers and cyclists who enjoy the countryside around Kelty.

"Benarty View Care Home confirms that it would use the cafe regularly, allowing its residents to feel part of the community.

"And the Wednesday Lunch Club at Auchtermuchty Community Centre confirms that it would wish to visit the cafe."

It added that 221 people had signed forms supporting the proposals.

However, despite that support, the council refused the application for two reasons: "In the interests of safeguarding the countryside from inappropriate and unjustified uses; the development is not for the extension of an established business; is not for facilities for outdoor recreation, tourism, or other development for which it has been demonstrated there is a proven need for a countryside location; and as such does not accord with any of the other provisions of the development plan.

"In the interests of road safety; the proposal would result in the intensification of use of an existing access onto an unrestricted distributor road outwith an established built up area, such arrangements increasing turning manoeuvres which conflict with through traffic movements and so increase the probability of accidents occurring; all contrary to the development plan."