Plans for six seafront homes rejected over coastal erosion fears

Proposals for six new homes at Kirkcaldy seafront have been rejected after planners deemed potential coastal erosion close to the site could put people at risk.

The Seafield Consortium had applied to build the luxury properties with associated vehicle access, open space, landscaping and infrastructure at land to the east of Craigfoot Walk.

The application had attracted 56 objections as well as 63 letters of support and follow a previous unsuccessful bid for homes on the land in 2022 which had also been refused on appeal by Scottish Ministers.

A report to the West and Central Area Planning Committee explained: “The current proposal seeks to reduce the total number of residential units on the site from eight to six and these would be set out in a similar linear arrangement to the previous scheme with the addition of a centralised greenspace and footpath link.

“This would be considered an improvement to the previous scheme creating a more distinctive development and enhancing connectivity between the proposed development and the Fife Coastal Path.

“The scale of the proposed housing would also be considered appropriate within the context of its surrounds.”

Planner Natasha Cockburn told committee members that the number of homes had been reduced to provide additional open space however concerns remained over erosion.

“The development siting is in projected eroded areas which indicates the site is at risk of coastal erosion,” she said.

“The principle is therefore unacceptable because it increases the risk to people due to coastal erosion.”

Kirkcaldy councillor Ian Cameron pointed out that coastal erosion was not highlighted when the previous application was considered in 2022.

Ms Cockburn responded: ”In the previous report, the coastal erosion was not seen as a significant concern when assessed back then but now information we have is evolving

“There is a stronger emphasis on climate change – we have more knowledge now as well.”