PLANNING permission in principle has been approved by the Planning Committee of Fife Council for the regeneration of a former open cast coal mine on the St Ninians site near Kelty into an eco-wellness, leisure and employment-led destination.
The approval supports a mixed?use land regeneration comprising eco?wellness and leisure uses and facilities, including short term visitor accommodation (such as lodges), tourism and visitor uses, education and learning spaces, landscape restoration and supporting infrastructure, to be delivered in phases over a number of years.
dTogether, its hoped these uses will enhance the tourism industry in the area and create new jobs, opportunities and long?term economic and social benefits for the local communities, while restoring the environment and enhancing ecological value to the land, historically used largely for industrial purposes.
It is hoped the regeneration of St?Ninians will deliver tangible benefit for local people and the wider Fife economy, with deliberate environmentally responsible and sustainable design.
More than half the site is proposed for woodland, wetland and habitat enhancement increasing biodiversity, alongside landscape?led development that enables employment, learning and wellness uses to function sustainably.
Whilst this is a planning permission in principle, establishing the acceptability of development on the site, detailed layouts, buildings and delivery phases will be brought forward separately through future applications and environmental assessment and consultation will follow as investment is secured and delivery progresses.
As development phases come forward, the project is expected to support employment not only across construction but also, landscape restoration, environmental management, tourism, hospitality, education and wellbeing uses.
Education and skills development are included in the long?term ambition, with opportunities for environmental learning, rural skills and place?based education developed in partnership with appropriate providers as the site evolves.
Public access to the site will continue to be managed carefully and safely alongside future phases of development, ensuring appropriate enjoyment of the land as the project progresses.
Responding to the decision, Irene?Bisset, chair of National Pride, said: “We are delighted with the decision today to consent planning permission in principle for St?Ninians.
“This decision supports the careful regeneration of a former mining site that has stood unused for many years.
“The focus now is on delivering the creation of jobs, learning opportunities and long?term sustainable uses while restoring ecological attributes and environmental value to a former industrial site.
“This approval provides certainty on direction. Delivery will take place in phases over time as detailed designs, operators and investment are brought forward.”
