More than 2,500 jobs could be created if a massive redevelopment of the former Westfield opencast site gets the green light.
Councillors will next week determine the future of the site lying close to Kinglassie, Cardenden and Ballingry.
Durham-based Hargreaves Services has asked for planning permission in principle to restore what is one of Europe’s largest brownfield sites into an energy-producing powerhouse.
The concept behind the massive scheme on the 423-hectare site is one of restoration, regeneration and sustainable development.
Originally farmland, it became an opencast site in 1955 but production stopped in 1998 and since then it has lain largely unrestored. Hargreaves acquired it in 2013.
It aims to redevelop the site with plans including a solar energy park and other energy-related work, waste recovery and recycling unit, light industrial units and agricultural greenhouses.
A resources recovery park would be the anchor development , creating the chance for other renewable energy and industrial units to be created.
Several key industries would be encouraged, including food production and recycling businesses, to support the national vision of growth of the local carbon and clean technology sectors.
It could see the reopening of an old railway line to service the business park. Network Rail said the reactivation of the Westfield branch line would be the subject of further discussions.
An estimates 1,075 construction jobs will be created over a 10-year period with the completed development capable of supporting around 1,500 full time posts.
Fife Council officers have recommended the application be conditionally approved, pending legal agreements.
The legal agreement is asking for a £100,000 contribution towards road maintenance on the B9097 which would be administered by both Fife and Perth and Kinross councils.
Traffic heading to and from the site, lying close to Loch Leven, would make heavy use of the B9097 and there are worries over the impact that could have on the road.
Perth and Kinross Council does not object to the proposed development but does have “some serious concerns” about it and its impact on the local communities, facilities and infrastructure.
Around 25 objections have been lodged to the plan by people and groups worried about its impact on the rural character of the area, and its effect on road safety, noise and pollution levels.
Cross-border objections
The development of the Westfield site could be an environmental disaster for Kinross-shire, local councillors have warned.
They fear Fife will see all the benefits, while the adverse impact is borne by the neighbouring council area.
That could include hundreds of weekly heavy goods vehicle journeys, with the plan to funnel traffic down the B9097.
It is currently a relatively quiet country road, bordering a holiday village, the RSPB’s Vane Farm nature reserve and Loch Leven.
Councillors will urge the Scottish Government to call the development in and hold a public inquiry if it is backed by Fife Council.
Liberal Democrat Willie Robertson said: “This former open cast mine has lain unused for some time and it will be great to see the site brought back into use.
“The jobs this development will bring must also be welcomed, but they must not come at the expense of Kinross—shire and its people.
“I fear Fife will see all the benefits, while the environmental impacts will be borne by Kinross-shire, to the detriment of many of its residents.”
Conservative Councillor Callum Purves said the plan would have “a profound impact upon the day-to-day lives of local people”.
Councillors, community councillors and Perth and Kinross Council officers suggested a significant number of road safety measures be implemented to limit the effects of the development. Few are included in the planning conditions proposed by Fife Council.
