Investigation Report 200400766

Fife Council - The complainants were 11 residents in a Fife village whose rear gardens adjoined a new housing site. The investigation found that Fife Council (the Council) had not had sufficient information upon which to properly assess the effect of the development on the complainants' houses and had not required re-notification of the proposals. The complainants' amenity and property values may have been affected. The Council's ability to take enforcement action was restricted. After the matter was brought to their attention, they took appropriate action. The outgoing Chief Executive of the Council accepted the Ombudsman's recommendation that an independent valuer be instructed with a view to making appropriate payments if the properties in question have lost value.