One of the key players in redeveloping Rosyth Waterfront claims that it has been ignored by Fife Council.
Scarborough Muir, owners of the 120 acre development Queensferry One, says it has been disappointed by local councillors who approved a framework to regenerate the site.
Members of the region’s South West Fife Area Committee endorsed the Rosyth Development Framework document, which provides guidance for how the site should be regenerated in the coming years.
However, Scarborough Muir has claimed its views have been sidelined, despite it being the largest landowner involved at the site.
William McAllister, Property Director at the company, said: “We believe that a number of fundamental steps had been missed in reaching the stage that a development framework was put before the committee, namely the commissioning of a comprehensive development framework master planning exercise and public consultation.
“Both are standard practices in a development of this scale but our representations to the planning officials were ignored.
“It is one thing to draft a Development Framework in isolation.
“It is quite another to ensure it is commercially viable and that it has the interests and aspirations of the community, the council and the majority landowner at heart.”
Local councillors passed the framework plan on Wednesday, after Fife Council had been instructed to produce the document to coordinate development of the key strategic site.
That was despite its three Conservative Party members calling for approval to be deferred for further consultation with the three landowners, Scarborough Muir, Babcock International and Forth Ports Ltd.
Earlier this year, Scarborough Muir unveiled a £250 million plan that it claims could bring 8,000 jobs to the area.
The proposals include new office space, industrial, manufacturing and logistics warehouses, as well as a budget hotel.
Though disagreeing with the decision of councillors, Mr McAllister reaffirmed his company’s commitment to redeveloping the site, adding: “Despite another setback caused by Fife Council, we remain very much committed to the comprehensive development of Rosyth Waterfront.”
