Controversial plans for a massive expansion of Halbeath retail park have been approved.
In an unforeseen u-turn, west Fife planning committee narrowly agreed revised plans which will bring an M&S foodhall and Lidl to the giant park.
· More than 200 jobs will be created by the plans;
· The Town Centre First principle was set aside as the proposal was given the go ahead;
· It is seen as competition to the bealeagured High Street, not complementary;
· Councillors went against the advice of planning officials.
The committee threw out the original plans of park owners the Royal London Mutual Insurance Society for the 4.68 hectare site to the north of the existing shopping area last year to maintain the vitality of the town centre.There were also concerns about road safety.
But revised plans, for nine shops selling food and non-food items, a restaurant with takeaway and drive through, will now go ahead after the committee heard transportation concerns had been taken into account.
The owners have agreed a financial contribution of more than £700,000.
Officers recommended it refused, again to try to protect the viability of the town centre. Objectors mainly aired road safety concerns.
The vacant area was described as a “damned eyesore” which needed to be completed by Labour councillor Bob Young. “The developer has done everything asked of them,” he said.
SNP councillor Sharon Wilson “did not buy the argument” it would take business from the town centre.
“I do not think any of the units proposed here will be moving into the centre,” she said.
Labour councillor Mike Shirkie said there was a division of opinion on whether 200 jobs were more important than the town centre.
SNP councillor Ian Ferguson added he would be very nervous at losing out on jobs.
However, City of Dunfermline area chairwoman Helen Law did believe in Town Centre First, citing Kirkcaldy town centre versus Fife Central retail park.
She claimed: “The park has everything you could ever want, the town centre has nothing. I do not think we should risk the town centre for this.”
In agreement was SNP councillor Alice McGarry who added: “Even if there is a chance it would impact I do not think we should take it.”
Mr Young’s motion was carried by six votes to five.
