Markinch

Consultation & Care in Markinch
 

In an attempt to acknowledge and reflect the political and community sensitivity of any development proposals for Brunton Road, Markinch, we engaged Barton Wilmore http://www.bartonwillmore.co.uk/ to undertake preliminary consultations regarding our emerging ideas for development of the site.

We already enjoy outline planning consent for housing on the site. However, reflecting the evolving market demand, particularly the ageing population’s increasing need for various types of care, we are now proposing a 60 bed care facility and five retirement homes.

Throughout the summer and autumn months, Barton Wilmore assisted by AIM Architects, undertook extensive consultation with the Community of Markinch in order to explore the issues raised, and develop a design which was considered the most sympathetic to them.

Several Community meetings and consultation exercises were held, a draft proposal document was produced, and a 3D card model was built, in order to help people to understand the proposals in as much detail as possible.

Link - Preliminary Consultation Draft

Following on from these events, and taking on board comments made, a full detailed application was prepared and submitted to Fife Council. Details of the design can be seen in the accompanying Design and Access Statement

Link - Design and access statement

The aim has been to arrange the development in a layout which forms a safe and enclosed courtyard, creating an attractive and naturally overlooked space. This development will be focussed in the south eastern edge of the site as far away from the sensitive conservation buildings as possible. The buildings have been designed so that their form and materials create the appearance of a series of smaller buildings in keeping with the scale of the conservation area, and reflecting but not copying the ecclesiastical influence of St Drostan’s Church. The remainder of the site is to be landscaped as a community open space which will double as an attractive outlook and setting for the proposed care home.

Continuing our commitment to fully consult with the Community, Barton Wilmore has offered to meet with the Community Council if they wish, to fully explain the details of the application now it has been submitted. This offer would be equally extended to other groups of the Community if they request it.