Plans to regenerate Cowdenbeath High Street and build a supermarket have been given the green light.
Alongside the 48,000-square foot supermarket, which it is hoped will create more than 200 jobs, plans for a spin-off sports hub in Lumphinnans were also approved by west Fife planning committee.
Vico Properties’ plans to build a supermarket on North End Park in Cowdenbeath which is used by many sports clubs and relocate facilities to a new, improved sports hub in Lumphinnans had already been given planning permission in principle by Cowdenbeath area committee back in 2011.
However, the consent was conditional, subject to the conclusion of a legal agreement.
The legal agreement was to ensure the Lumphinnans sports centre would be built on land to the north of Hope Street and Sycamore Crescent before the North End Park facilities were closed.
It also included a financial contribution of £500,000 for the long-term maintenance costs of the new sports facilities which will be owned and maintained by Fife Council.
The 2.5 hectare site at North End Park includes a sports ground and changing facilities, a row of shops fronting the High Street and a vacant hall.
It is proposed the buildings on the site would be demolished to make way for the single storey store and 244-space car park. The existing roundabout at the A909/Foulford Road junction would be altered to provide a new access road into the site.
One objection, concerned about its impact on residents and drainage issues, was received.
However, planners felt the supermarket plans provided the scope to meet an evident demand without detracting from the existing town centre and would give a “destination store” which could draw additional custom into Cowdenbeath, boosting its vitality.
Planner Mary Stewart said it had been recognised for some time there was a shortfall in the provision of retail outlets in that particular area and felt the development would go some way to meet that need.
The sports complex including a new pavilion, upgrade to existing pitches and creation of new pitch and car park would compensate for the loss of pitches and leisure facilities on the site earmarked for the store.
One objection to the sports centre was received by a resident concerned about anti-social behaviour, parking, noise and loss of local views.
Council officers, in recommending the plans be approved, felt the proposed sports development would provide a “positive community benefit” with improved recreational facilities on the site.