AN ambitious £500million masterplan that could create 3500 jobs at Rosyth Waterfront took another step forward this week after the Scarborough Muir Group submitted a proposal of application notice (PAN).

The project – described as one of Scotland's largest urban regeneration schemes – could see a parade of shops, supermarket, hotel, cafes, bars, offices, a leisure centre and new homes built on a 120-acre site.

The site has lain empty for 18 years, and although SMG first tabled plans for the area in 2006, Fife Council consistently refused to rezone the land from port-related use only to allow a mixed-use development.

However, in July, the executive committee agreed to support the principle of mixed-use development.

The PAN now triggers the public consultation period and SMG will now hold a number of workshops during November before finalising the masterplan, with a formal planning application expected before spring 2016.

The masterplan currently includes four main elements:

- Employment areas forming a continuous business and industrial park around the current commercial waterfront and port area.

- Rosyth Gateway, a commercial zone located at the eastern edge of the site.

- Mixed-use waterfront area of shops, cafes, bars, hotel, offices and apartments.

- New waterfront promenade, landscaped gardens and woodland areas, pedestrian and cycle paths to Rosyth Castle and the historic Doocot.

SMG director William McAlister commented: “We are looking forward to working with the council and the public over the next few months to deliver one of Scotland’s largest brownfield regeneration schemes.

“We are keen to hear the Rosyth and North Queensferry community’s aspirations for the site as it will be of huge significance for the local and surrounding areas, creating some 3500 jobs, and completely transforming the landscape around the waterfront.”

Local representatives have backed the mixed-use development, saying it would bring benefits to Rosyth and West Fife.

Rosyth councillor Mike Shirkie said: “The development of the SMG waterfront site now is critical for the long-term future of South West Fife and I am delighted that a planning application is finally forthcoming.

“A mixed-use development will allow the regeneration of this brownfield site to get underway which will benefit the local community and in turn the fast growing tourist industry which will have further benefits across the Fife economy.”

Cowdenbeath MSP Alex Rowley MSP added: “With the executive committee’s decision to support mixed-use, this gives Scarborough Muir confidence to now submit a planning application based on a mixed-use development.

“The extensive site will then be developed in the immediate future creating the much needed jobs for the local community and allowing the waterfront environment to be brought into use. I very much welcome the progress being made.”