Waterfront development in Kirkcaldy thrown out by councillors

Artist's impression of the proposed development at the west end of Kirkcaldy Esplanade

Plans to build flats on Kirkcaldy’s waterfront have been thrown out by councillors.

Broughty Ferry based developer, Grant Road Properties, first unveiled the blueprint for the former bus depot land, close to Seafield, in a public consultation in 2018.

But, yesterday, the central and west Fife planning committee refused it because of the adverse impact it would have on school provision.

The site of the now demolished bus garages on the Esplanade, Kirkcaldy - now the subject of a planning application to build new flats (Pic: Fife Free Press)

It also expressed concerns over a lack of parking spaces, the absence of electrical vehicle charging points, and no steps to promote sustainable transport.

The council’s education department had recommended delaying the development until 2026.

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Councillor John Beare (SNP, Glenrothes North) said the plans had few redeeming features - and said the design was more a commercial rather than residential development.

Grant Road Properties had planned to develop the site in three phases.

The land has been empty for a number of years following the demolition of the old bus depot, and saw its proposal as a catalyst to rekindle the gateway to the town. The flats would have sat opposite the new Lidl store which is currently being built, and next to the existing Morrisons supermarket.

It said its application was based around residential accommodation and had been carefully designed to fit into the location.

Councillor Alistair Cameron (Lab, Kirkcaldy Central) proposed deferring the development, expressing concerns that a lack of school places meant any plans to regenerate that area were running into a brick wall.

He accepted the application had faults, but said the education department’s proposed delay was six years was “simply unacceptable.”

He added: “We have to find a way round this at a time when there is a desperate need for homes and for jobs in this town.”

The committee refused the application.

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