North Queensferry residents have been left confounded by a decision to install a pontoon at the village’s historic pier.
Fife Council’s west planning committee approved the controversial proposal this week.
It follows a £736,000 grant from the Treasury as part of a £10 million drive to revamp Scotland’s coastline.
The local authority hopes the landing pontoon will attract visitors travelling by boat, and it will be big enough to allow cruise ships to berth.
Local people who turned up to Dunfermline City Chambers to hear the decision were critical of the way the matter had been handled by councillors.
Andrew Simpson, who lives beside the pier, said taxpayers’ money was being wasted.
“They had no idea what the pontoon will actually do,” he said.
“There was nothing to say there is any benefit of this proposal at all, and there is also the impact on a grade A listed pier.”
Brian Armstrong from the local group Hands Off North Queensferry (HONQ) said the decision should have been delayed.
He said: “There has been an application for funding to repair the pier. If the pier was repaired, there would be no need for a pontoon.”
Doubts were also raised about likely demand.
The residents told The Courier they were concerned that Newhaven in Edinburgh would be a preferred landing point for cruise ships.
Justin Davies, who also lives next to the development, added: “My understanding is they haven’t had any applications from cruise companies.”
Councillors discussed the increased number of visitors expected in North Queensferry as a result of the Forth Bridge being awarded Unesco World Heritage status.
The local authority has said it would not promote any use of the pier which would encourage private car use.
However, residents and businesses fear the village will not be able to cope with the increased traffic.
There are also concerns about lack of facilities, such as toilets, cafs and shops, in the area.
Among the 32 letters of objection was a submission from North Queensferry Community Council.
Councillor Mike Shirkie said: “Having worked to get tourism to this area, I would like it controlled in a way that minimises impact on the people of North Queensferry.
“We must understand that this will be disruptive to the people in that area,” he said.
“My understanding at the moment is we’re talking about 100,000 additional tourists because of World Heritage over three years.”