Over 100 people attended Fife Council's Development Services annual Housing Forum event, including figures from the housing sector as well as partner organisations.

This year's event looked at the challenges faced in implementing the finalised Fife Structure Plan and how these can be addressed.

Delegates heard from Professor Sandy Halliday, Principal with GaiaGroup Research, who spoke about sustainable design in housing. Other topics discussed included Fife and the City Regions, affordable housing and implementing good urban design in Fife.

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Chair of the Planning Committee, Cllr John Beare, said: "The annual event has become a key date for developers. Although the Structure Plan is with Scottish Ministers for a decision it's important for the Council to take a pro-active, longer term view and plan for Fife's future, even in the current housing climate.

"This event highlights the council's commitment to work with a wide range of organisations to make sure that the policies in the Structure Plan are implemented in a positive way for Fife's communities and environment and links with two of the Council's Big 8 priorities: Making Fife the leading green council in Scotland and Increasing access to housing."

Copies of the House Sales in Fife report 2007; the fourth edition to be published was also included in delegate's packs. It identifies and analyses trends in Fife's property market, including house prices and sales. For example, the average house price in Fife has increased by 12.6% from 2006 and now stands at £134,000. Elie is the most expensive town in Fife to buy a house, with an average house price of over £367,000.

(GK/JM)