Controversial plans to redevelop a Kirkcaldy retail park have resurfaced after they were rejected earlier this year.
Hammerson (Kirkcaldy) Limited, which operates the Fife Central Retail Park, had its proposal to turn the former Homebase store into five new retail units knocked back by councillors in June amid concerns about the impact the £10 million project might have on town centres.
However, the company has amended its scheme and resubmitted an application which they hope will find favour with elected members this time around.
Up to 250 jobs could be created if the plans get the green light through the arrival of the new stores and through construction, Hammerson has claimed.
Officers had recommended conditional approval of the initial plans, but councillors on the central area planning committee voted against it by seven votes to five after hearing fears that sales in Kirkcaldy and Glenrothes town centres could fall by up to 10% if the redevelopment was approved.
In its resubmission, Hammerson said it had taken into account the decision of councillors when developing its amended plans, reducing the number of retail units proposed from five to four.
The total floor area proposed has been cut by 929 square metres to 7090 square metres, restrictions have been proposed for minimum unit size in line with Fife Council officer recommendations, and changes to parking and access arrangements have been outlined.
The company also says it has included plans for a single sports goods unit within the former Homebase site, but will restrict all other retail units to ‘bulky comparison goods’ only.
“It is anticipated that the development period for the proposed works would be approximately six to nine months,” the company said in a supporting statement.
“Therefore if planning permission is granted in autumn 2016, the units could be open for trading in time for summer 2017.”
As well as the redevelopment of Unit 1 of the retail park, new “pod” units have also been proposed within the existing car park on the north side of the main access road.
Before consideration of the new planning application, Hammerson has pointed out that 96% of respondents to its previous public consultation expressed support for the proposal, while 94% supported or strongly supported proposed new car parking arrangements.
It added that the majority of respondents indicated that the proposals, if implemented, would significantly reduce the amount of shopping undertaken in Edinburgh and Dundee.
