Updated proposals for Persimmon’s Cupar North site have been influenced by local residents and include a low-carbon district heating system as well as a highly-anticipated relief road.

The planning application from Persimmon Homes would see a phased delivery of 1,480 energy-efficient new homes, along with land for commercial and employment use, on land allocated for development by Fife Council. The proposal includes nearly 300 homes that would be transferred to a housing association to help local families in housing need.

In the face of unprecedented pressure on housing services, the council has recently declared a housing emergency and stressed the need for urgent action to tackle the severe housing shortage across the local authority. With the average price of a Persimmon home in Scotland 20% below the average price of a new build, the housebuilder said the development would also open the door to home ownership for more Fife families.

A new relief road to reduce town centre traffic and pollution is a central plank of the proposal – something that is a long-held ambition of the local community. A £30 million investment in improving community facilities will also see a new primary school built and a range of new employment and leisure amenities created, including community allotments.

The proposals presented to the council have been informed by local residents’ views – with significant changes made in order to incorporate feedback from the community, local groups and council officials. The changes include plans for a district heating system – a specific ask from local community groups – which will reduce the development’s carbon footprint and lower maintenance and energy bills. In addition, there will be almost 50 hectares of public open space, land for health facilities at Adamson Hospital, as well as footpaths and cycle links to the town. The St Christopher’s scheduled ancient monument will also be protected.

It is estimated that the development would create around 340 new construction jobs each year, and more than 250 in the local supply chain.

James MacKay, Persimmon North Scotland managing director, said: “The Cupar North development will deliver much-needed, high quality new homes, create jobs and see a significant investment made in improving the local community – including a new relief road that will make a big difference to the volume of traffic and pollution in Cupar town centre.

“I want to thank all those who have engaged with us to help shape the final proposals. We’ve listened carefully to the feedback from residents and taken action to incorporate those views into the final proposals. This includes introducing a district heating system, which will reduce the development’s carbon footprint and lower maintenance and energy bills for residents.

“If the application is approved, we’ll continue to work with the local community to ensure this significant investment delivers lasting benefits for Cupar and the whole of Fife.”