Kingdom councillors have expressed disappointment that a neighbouring local authority objected to redevelopment of Longannet Power Station.
Hundreds of jobs are expected to be created after the transformation of the 74-acre Kincardine site for business, general industrial use, storage and distribution was conditionally approved by Fife’s central and west planning committee.
However, opposition from Clackmannanshire Council will have to be resolved before the planning permission is issued.
Train manufacturing firm Talgo UK – which specialises in high speed tilting trains – has struck an agreement with Scottish Enterprise to use part of the site as its UK base to deliver future contracts which could include providing vehicles for the HS2 railway project.
It hopes to start construction in June and would initially employ 1,000 people.
Concerns about the impact of additional traffic on the Gartarry and Kilbagie roundabouts on the A977 north of Kincardine resulted in the objection from Clackmannanshire Council.
Fife Council planners said they expected to resolve the issue, as Transport Scotland said mitigation measures would ensure the trunk road network could cope.
However, committee member Helen Law, who welcomed the Longannet redevelopment, said: “I’m a bit surprised at the concerns raised by Clackmannanshire Council.
“I always thought they were very focused on that side of their geographical area and would be ready to work with us on this development.”
She also said creation of the train factory would strengthen the case for electrifying the rail line between Alloa and Longannet, adding: “We seem to be a step closer to the prospect of electrifying the line and that has really got to be welcomed.”
Planner William Shand said Clackmannanshire Council supported the general proposal and he expected the objection to be withdrawn following discussions.
A Clackmannanshire Council spokeswoman confirmed: “Clackmannanshire Council is broadly supportive of the redevelopment of Longannet as an important employment and economic opportunity for Fife, Clackmannanshire and Scotland.
“At the time of consultation it was considered that the planning application did not satisfactorily consider potentially adverse impacts on the strategic road network serving Clackmannanshire and the wider Forth Valley region.
“Clackmannanshire Council is confident that the concerns it identified can be satisfactorily addressed by Fife Council and is committed to further engagement to achieve this.”
Dunfermline and West Fife MP Douglas Chapman welcomed Fife Council’s support.
He said: “The 1,000 jobs that have been promised by the Spanish train manufacturer will provide a real boost to the local West Fife economy.
“Not only will this bring a significant number of jobs to the area, but could also mean re-opening the West Fife rail-link could now become an even more realistic opportunity.”
Fife Council leaders David Ross and David Alexander praised the step forward, as work continues to demolish the power station.
Mr Ross said “The Longannet site is nationally significant and critically important locally.
“The positive steps taken by Scottish Enterprise are warmly welcomed for the local area and will create new employment and economic opportunities in Fife.”
Mr Alexander said the redevelopment would make 74 hectares of land available to investors and boost the region’s economy.
He said: “We also seek to secure secondary investment within Fife, recognising that the Longannet site and its infrastructure connections give rise to significant opportunities across the wider area.”
