Over 100 industry professionals attended the ‘Realising Opportunities – Mid Fife Matters’ event that addressed the key issues facing the housebuilding sector, and showcased Fife Council’s continued focus on ensuring investment in new housing through its integrated strategic development area programme and ongoing affordable housing programme. Both are central to the council’s “Plan 4 Fife” Local Outcome Improvement Plan (LOIP), which covers the period 2017-2027.

Fife’s strategic growth areas are central to the Plan 4 Fife, and have an estimated investment value of £3 billion. Fife Council continues to make strategic investment in an ambitious affordable housing programme that will ensure the delivery of 3,500 new affordable homes by 2022.

This public sector capital investment will complement private sector commitments within the Kingdom towards the provision of new homes and infrastructure.

The event was supported by speakers from the Scottish Land Commission, Scottish Environment Protection Agency and Carnegie UK Trust, in addition to industry perspectives provided by Keepmoat Homes and the Construction Scotland Innovation Centre.

Pam Ewen, chief officer, planning, said: “Our Local Development Plan (FIFEplan), sets out how we’ll achieve strategic growth in a planned, sustainable and successful way. It is essential that we continue to collaborate within and across the public and private sectors to join up our thinking and align long-term planning.”

The key-note address was provided by Keith Winter, executive director, Fife Council, who outlined shared priorities for the council and house building sector of the Southeast Scotland and Edinburgh City Region Deal.

Fife Council is actively supporting progression of two City Deals, and both deals have established Regional Business Forums, where private sector engagement and investment is a critical success factor.

The forum also discussed how changes now set out through the Planning Act 2019 will be responded to by Fife Council and the house building industry.

Ms Ewen added: “I was pleased to see so many developers and other house building industry stakeholders attending the forum again this year.

This event has grown year-on-year and provides an excellent opportunity for the council and industry to share knowledge, ​discuss Fife’s housing challenges and network.

“House building is a key sector within Fife and the council continues to work with the industry to deliver investment in new housing and infrastructure to ensure that we create successful places that Fifers want to live in, while achieving regeneration and economic growth.”