A multi-million-pound Fife industrial estate redevelopment expected to create up to 100 new jobs has been approved.
Supermarket Aldi and pub and restaurant chain Marston’s are expected to move into what has been called a new gateway to Dalgety Bay.
A new children’s play centre and commercial unit will be created in the £4 million development at Donibristle Industrial Estate, to replace facilities including the recently closed Play Planet.
Fife Council gave planning permission in principle to the proposal of Scarborough Muir Group, rubber-stamping the approval of its west Fife planning committee which considered the application last month.
Scarborough Muir Group has previously said the scheme will bring investment and up to 100 new jobs, both full-time and part-time. It also said it would safeguard 40 existing jobs.
The decision by the full council allows creation of a mixed-use development comprising a retail unit, restaurant with licensed bar, drive-through restaurant, commercial unit and children’s indoor play area.
A retail impact assessment concluded that the development, combined with the neighbouring Asda supermarket and other outlets, would almost create a second town centre and draw customers away from shops including the Tesco Metro in Dalgety Bay.
Fife Council service manager Mary Stewart said the proposal was contrary to the local authority’s development plan which designated the 2.13 hectare site as employment land.
However, she said: “The development plan also recognises the need for ancillary uses to support the ongoing economic activity of this key employment location.”
Dalgety Bay and Hillend Community Council chairman Colin McPhail said there was little opposition to the creation of a supermarket but the development amounted to an “overkill” in restaurant and cafe facilities in the area.
Further consent for details of the development will be required from the council before work can begin.
No one from Scarborough Muir Group was available to comment.