Before I left DC Thomson I completed a series, yet to be published, on private housebuilders' appetite to build high-density, poor quality neighbourhoods that squish as many houses in as possible. Can councils please stop encouraging this? #LDReporter

Spot the difference between this 2015 planning permission for 66 homes at Strathkiness, submitted by Avant Homes, and a newly updated application for 65 homes from Springfield Homes - which has hints of even more homes for the north of the site. Squish squish squish. #LDReporter

This site is being discussed right now by Fife's North East Planning Committee. The local development plan allocated a maximum of 50 homes to the site.

For context, Strathkinness is a village of 350 homes with a primary school of around 80 children. #LDReporter

Following a motion by Liberal Democrat councillor Jane Ann Liston, Springfield's application has been refused by eight votes to five, on the grounds of what she termed a lack of 'physical amenity'. In other words, houses being squished together. #LDReporter

That's good news for the residents of Strathkinness - until Springfield lodges the inevitable appeal with the Scottish Government, which has previous form for approving these sorts of things because 'more houses = good'. https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/aberdeen/1890780/scottish-government-overrules-local-democracy-on-planning-decisions-more-frequently-in-aberdeenshire-than-any-other-region/

While this application has been refused, it really angers me seeing others like it waved through because of the short-term economic benefits that housebuilding brings to local areas. A temporary boost in construction jobs and a handful of new tax-paying homes isn't worth...

...the long-term consequences of high-density housing like car dependency and social isolation. New developments need to be livable places with essential amenities on their doorsteps, not just home after home. Councils can do better than roll out the red carpet. #LDReporter

Good morning. After having its bid for 65 'squished' homes refused by Fife Council, Springfield has announced its intention to appeal the decision at Strathkinness, citing... "local jobs as well as support(ing) the local and national economy." #LDReporter https://twitter.com/jonbradyphoto/status/1349410427332141063

Peter Matthews, central managing director of the firm, says: "Fortunately the Scottish Government has procedures in place by which we can appeal this decision, which we fully intend to utilise, and we are confident this process will reach the right outcome."

#LDReporter

*looks to camera* https://twitter.com/jonbradyphoto/status/1349408569813315584

Here's a full report on the decision to refuse Springfield's bid for 65 houses at Strathkinness in an area two-thirds the size of a plot allocated for 66 homes - described artfully by one councillor as a "squish". #LDReporter https://www.fifetoday.co.uk/news/politics/council/fife-housing-development-refused-trying-squish-65-homes-land-3101788