Fife will be home to Scotland first closed circuit cycle track now planning permission has been granted.
The six metre wide loop is part of a multi-million-pound investment by Fife Council in the sport, to encourage people to become more active.
Situated between Lochgelly High and Glencraig it will not only offer elite athletes a bespoke training facility, but will also be available to the public.
It is anticipated it would be used by 10 to 30 people during the day, 30 to 100 in the evenings and up to 200 participants at larger weekend events.
West Fife planning committee heard the applicant — Fife Council — had presented a “unique proposition” in the “first of its kind development in Scotland.”
Members also heard from officials that Scottish Environment Protection Agency’s unresolved objections due to lack of information on flooding, draining and water quality, was being rectified.
Officer Kevin Treadwell said while the area was known to be at risk of flooding, the development would not increase that.
Councillor Helen Law said she thought the plan was fantastic for Lochgelly.
“Only a few years ago it was in the doldrums, but when you look at the likes of the refurbishment of the theatre and town hall and opportunities like this, I think Lochgelly is on the up and not before time,” she said.
However, SNP councillor Ally Bain moved refusal of the application, citing the issue with SEPA, lack of business case, noise and what he claimed was a lack of consultation with community councils.
His motion failed to find a seconder and the committee granted conditional approval.
Mark Hood, chairman of Fife Sports Partnership, said: “This is a significant milestone for the project team, we are now focusing on construction and should have appointed a contractor by the end of the year with work due to begin on site in February.
“This is an exciting project and we have a great deal of excitement from the community and across Scotland.
“Staff are now working on a programme that will create opportunities for people of all abilities to use new facility from the summer.”
