Ambitious plans to regenerate a Fife village will enhance it as a tourist destination, it is claimed.
St Monans Community Trust has submitted a planning application to transform the harbour area, creating a new sea wall, boat storage and car parking.
Several years in the making, the plans are aimed at safeguarding the economic future of the East Neuk community, improving access for tourists while also encouraging visiting sailors to the Fife coast.
A planning statement submitted as part of the application to Fife Council states that the plans could arrest a decline in the fortunes of the community.
“The development proposals have been brought forward in response to a growing concern about the decline of fishing and other commercial activities within St Monans, loss of local jobs, and the effect on the community.
“The last few years have seen a decline in fishing activities, the closure of a boat building business and the closure of the boat maintenance slip. Shops and cafes have also closed.
“With the harbour being the focus of the community it was felt by the community trust that this was an important area to kick start a wider regeneration initiative.”
As well as improving the harbour area, the community green and beach would also be upgraded as part of the work.
The trust has also signalled its intention to get new, purpose-built sports facilities in the town as part of wider regeneration plans in the future.
The planning statement continues: “The redevelopment of St Monans harbour is seen as an ideal opportunity to restore the community beach and green which has been eroded, provide services for the harbour boat users, create much needed visitor parking, reduce congestion with a turning circle and provide over-winter storage for boats.
“The overall aim of the trust is to keep the harbour at the centre of the community activities whilst respecting the historic nature and character of the existing town.
“Given the sympathetic design and advantages created by the proposal it is not considered that the historic fabric of the area will be compromised.
“Rather, the proposals will enhance and contribute to the existing wider urban and marine environment.”
