McDonalds’ drive-thru and petrol station plan for M90 site kicked out

Councillors ruled the applicant had not demonstrated the case to build on what is countryside land.

The development was pitched by applicants Ian Maclellan and TG Convenience Stores Ltd to redevelop the site that was previously occupied by the Kathellan cafe and farm shop which closed in 2018.

They wanted to build a ten-pump petrol station, retail kiosk and electric vehicle charging points 100 metres close to Junction4 of the motorway at Kelty.

The applicant said the project would create 72 jobs and give the local economy a boost, but the west and central planning committee refused to give it the green light.

A report to councillors said the applicant had not identified alternative pedestrian access to the site, leaving people to navigate the sliproad of the M90 and narrow paths on overpasses.

It said the development would have a “detrimental impact” on road safety.

The planning application attracted 22 objections and 74 letters of support.

The property has been on the market since it closed four years ago with “no market interest” in the whole site.

A supporting statement from the applicants said: “The inability to attract an operator for the site over the previous four years is evidence that diversification or supplementation of the services and facilities on offer are necessary to bring in back into economic use.”

But the committee rubber-stamped officers’ recommendation to refuse it.

It said the application had “failed to demonstrate a proven need for a countryside location.”

It added: “The desire for it to be located next to the M90 motorway network is accepted, insufficient information has been submitted to support a strategic need for such a development and thereby justify its countryside location. Significant concerns are also raised with regard to both road and pedestrian safety.”

In 2009, a plan for a 50-bedroom hotel was signed off, but not progressed. It has now lapsed.