Response from Fife Council re Possible Allotment sites
Following the recent public consultation on the Draft St Monans Development Framework, Fife Council is considering whether there is a viable alternative site for the allotments. Ten alternative sites were put forward in feedback received through the consultation, and there may be further suggestions that should also be considered. We would welcome the Community Council’s contribution on this matter, as being representative of the wider community. I am sending a similar email to the Allotment Association, to ascertain their views. I attach an assessment sheet to be completed and returned to me by 22 April indicating which sites you believe should be considered further. Please provide clarity on exact locations and boundaries to enable further assessment work to be undertaken. The final decision will be made by Leisure & Cultural Services [allotment officer] and Enterprise Planning and Protective Services [Development Plan team], to ensure any site meets criteria for developing allotments and is consistent with development plan policy.
A report of consultation has been drafted which is due to be put on Fifedirect in the next few days as a public document. It provides an overview of the recent public consultation – summarising the feedback received and Fife Council’s response to it. In addition to further consideration of the allotments, we will be doing further work to resolve concerns on access issues. At this stage the 3 westerly tails off Newark Street are acknowledged as too difficult for vehicular through links but some may have cycle/ pedestrian links. Queen Margaret Street, and a link in conjunction with the Fire Station around Castle Street/ the easterly tail off Newark Street are being looked at for possible vehicle connections.
There are 2 scenarios for taking forward the finalised Development Framework. Scenario 1 is where an alternative allotment site cannot be agreed; in this case the Framework will be adjusted [mainly in terms of access and connections and visual impact of the allotments] and the finalised document presented to the Community Council in advance of going to Committee for approval – hopefully in June. Scenario 2 is where an acceptable alternative allotment site can be agreed; in this case the Framework will be adjusted to reflect that it would now only cover a housing site [mainly in terms of housing blocks, access and connections]. The finalised document would be presented to the Community Council in advance of going to Committee for approval in August, and any new site for allotments would be reflected in the proposed Local Development Plan. The alternative allotment site would be taken forward through the Allotment Officer and the Development Plan team.
Possible sites
Site1) Name or description
2) Distance from edge of St Monans [if outwith] 3) Area of land available
|
Ownership1) Who is owner?
2) Have you spoken to owner? 3) Is owner willing to bring site forward? |
Access1) Is site readily accessible on foot?
2) Does site have vehicle access? |
Allotment criteria1) Is site sufficiently sheltered
2) Are ground conditions suitable? 3) Is site overlooked naturally? 4) Does site have water sewerage electricity? |
Other potential issues identifiedAny other issues? | Do you wish to submit this site for further considerationYes or No? | |
1 | Bowhouse Farm | Model may not conform to normal allotment concept –corner of open field will not be fenced off/ will be ploughed annually. On-site parking and building available. | ||||
2 | Beside Newark Castle | In Local Landscape Area. Setting of Listed Building/ Scheduled Ancient Monument. Archaeology. Beside SSSI. | ||||
3 | Mair Common | Protected Open Space. Existing recreational use. | ||||
4 | Beside the cemetery | In Local Landscape Area. Setting of Listed Building/ Scheduled Ancient Monument. Archaeology. | ||||
5 | Old Putting Green | In Local Landscape Area. Beside SSSI & RIGS [Regionally Important Geological Site]. Area of unimproved grassland habitat. | ||||
6 | Netherton Industrial Estate | Not supported by policy – protected for employment use in St Andrews & East Fife Local Plan. Site important in Fife’s economic strategy due to shortage of employment land in East Neuk. | ||||
7 | N of village -left hand side Abercrombie road | Not associated with any existing buildings. | ||||
8 | Beside the Saltpans | Is this a different site from number 5? In Local Landscape Area. Beside SSSI & RIGS [Regionally Important Geological Site]. Area of unimproved grassland habitat. | ||||
9 | Beside the Inverie Burn | In Local Landscape Area. Protection of watercourse – requires 10m undeveloped buffer. | ||||
10 | Old Bathing Pool | Is this a different site from number 5 or 8? In Local Landscape Area. Beside SSSI & RIGS [Regionally Important Geological Site]. Area of unimproved grassland habitat. | ||||
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Response from Fife Council re Possible Allotment sites — No Comments
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