Go-ahead for massive development at Tullis Russell papermill

Plans for 850 homes, a care home and a  retail and leisure zone on the site of the former Tullis Russell papermill in Glenrothes went before the central and west planning committee on Wednesday.

The development, which will take ten years to complete, will transform the site of the mill which closed in 2015.

It faced a number of objections, including from ASDA, the biomass plant, and  Glenrothes Paper Mill, which operates on the site.

The committee studied plans, which include 850 new homes, a new 32-bed care home, 16 retirement flats, office, retail, and a leisure and events space.

It also includes a potential arts strategy across the site, part of  which could reflect the industrial past of  the mills as well as Glenrothes as a whole – and possible  heritage trails.

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The site would be accessible from four points with the primary access being from the east from the existing Markinch roundabout on the A92.

Additional  access would be added at the north  on Cadham Road, and from the south at the Queensgate roundabout.

New cycling and footpaths would also connect the development to the town centre, with a large expansion for Riverside Park, with new walking routes proposed along the River Leven.

 Construction is expected to employ 184 people, with an economic output of £82.2m.

Once completed, it is expected to house around 1802 people, with more than 430 jobs created on site.

The development would send local children to Pitcoudie Primary and Glenrothes High Schools.

The primary school would need four additional classrooms and a multi-purpose hall as well as a new nursery to accommodate children by 2030. Transport Scotland also advised that the Markinch roundabout would need to be upgraded.