Plans for new state of the art RNLI lifeboat station in Fife approved

Councillors also gave the go ahead for the current station to be demolished to make way for car parking spaces – despite concerns being raised by the community.

However, councillors were told that it might be 12-18 months before demolition work starts, and that alternative plans for parking could be put forward before then, preserving the building.

Councillors were unanimous in their support for the new station, which will be built on the East Shore car park.

The station will be capable of housing and launching the next generation of Shannon Class lifeboats, which will be replacing the current Mersey Class lifeboats in Anstruther. The building will house an operations room, visitor centre and two lifeboats.

The existing car park will not be available while work is being carried out and the RNLI will be required to find temporary parking, such as a park and ride system.

While councillors voiced their support for the new station, concerns were raised about plans to demolish the old one – noting concerns in the community that there had not been enough time to consider other options for the station.

The old station, built in 1903, was not given listed status by Historic Environment Scotland earlier this year.

The community council was among those objecting to the plans to demolish the building, noting that it could be used for other purposes.

Councillor Linda Holt said the community was “unanimous” in wanting to retain the building. She added: “They think it’s a positive contribution to the landscape, that it’s a landmark, it’s loved, valued and historic.”

She said Anstruther had had a parking issue for years and called on the council to develop a parking strategy.

Councillors voiced their frustration at being presented with two applications – one for the new station and another for the demolition of the old station – but, were told after approving the new station, that rejecting the demolition plans would mean the RNLI would be unable to comply with the conditions of the new station application.

Cllr Bill Porteous added: “I was very much in favour of this new station – I still am. Anstruther wants it, the community wants it, all those lifeguards want it – we want a new lifeboat station. Sadly, because of the way the application has been structured, we have now got the RNLI involved in a debate not of its making.”

A motion was put forward to reject the application. Councillors voted in favour of demolition by 8-3.