THE problem of radiation in Dalgety Bay could soon be over after a planning application was passed to begin the clean-up.

Project plans to reduce and control the health and environmental risks of contamination have been passed by the West Planning Committee.

The Press told you in April this year that plans had been submitted to carry out work on the foreshore, which includes installing a geotextile membrane and replacing and reinforcing rock armour to isolate and remove higher activity material.

The existing jetty and slipways at Dalgety Bay Sailing Club are also set to be replaced.

Work will be carried out over two consecutive six-month summer periods - approximately April to September - due to the risk of impacting wintering birds in the Bay area.

Pollution was first discovered at the site in June 1990, with the radiation blamed on World War II aircraft dials that used luminous paint containing radium.

More than 3,000 radioactive particles have been found at the beach, in nearby gardens and next to the sailing club over the past two decades.

In 2013, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) identified potential significant pollutant linkages associated with radium on specific areas of the Dalgety Bay foreshore.

As a result, the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) has been working with Fife Council, SEPA and a number of stakeholders to develop a strategy to remediate the area.

Lesley Laird, MP for Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath, has welcomed the approval.

She said: "The residents of Dalgety Bay will, no doubt, be relieved that the work can finally get underway. I am very pleased that the Planning Committee heard about the extensive consultation addressing environmental protection and gaining the co-operation of land owners."

Mrs Laird also welcomed the decision taken to restrict hours of work from 8.00am to 6.00pm during the week and that the bulk of the materials required will be brought in by barge rather than road.

She added: "Of course, communication with local residents throughout the work is crucial, as is the opportunity for people to raise any concerns they may have as the work progresses."

Only one letter of objection to the plans was received.

In July 2014, defence chiefs agreed in principle to tackle the pollution and work, reportedly costing £10 million, was expected to be carried out in phases, starting last summer with completion by the end of 2018.