A DECISION not to get rid of two "unsightly" gas tanks would create a "significant barrier" to regeneration, according to Dunfermline and West Fife MP Douglas Chapman.

Plans to dismantle two rusting structures in Grange Road have been put on hold because Historic Environment Scotland want them to stay.

They are currently consulting on a potential listing status for the gas holders.

Mr Chapman has met the owners, gas network company SGN, who say that listing them would impact negatively for future use of the site, which is next to the Elgin Industrial Estate.

"I can see the value in retaining historically important industrial buildings but suggesting that a rusting, useless gas storage tank should be kept for historical reasons seems a step too far," he said.

"SGN has no use for them, and they'll not be used in the future. This is land that sits on the edge of an existing industrial estate and there is some room for expansion and job creation if the gasometers were removed."

Hannah Brett, a spokesperson for SGN, said their regulator, Ofgem, was funding the removal of the gas holders. 

"There is no longer a need for us to use these structures as we’re now able to store gas in pipes, which is much more cost-effective," she explained.

"The gas holders in Grange Road were decommissioned in 2011. Despite us no longer using these gas holders, the structures require significant maintenance to keep them in a safe state. 

"We’re planning to dismantle half our UK gas holder fleet by 2021, with the remainder being dismantled by 2029. We’re working directly with our customers to tell them about our work, listen to any concerns they may have, and celebrate the history of our gas holders."

She said they appreciated gas holders were an important part of history and a significant feature on many town and city skylines.

"We’re working closely with Historic Environment Scotland to review, record and manage the heritage of our gas holders across Scotland, including those in Dunfermline. 

"Historic Environment Scotland has expressed an intention to list the Grange Road gas holders and a consultation is under way. This consultation will explore how best to capture the heritage value of the site while ensuring the regeneration potential of the area is maximised." 

A spokesperson for Historic Environment Scotland said SGN requested they undertake an assessment of their gas holders to help identify which structures may be of special interest for listing.

"The two gas holders in Dunfermline were identified as being amongst the earliest surviving examples of their building type in Scotland and are an iconic reminder of Fife’s industrial heritage," said the spokesperson.

“We are continuing to engage with SGN, Fife Council and local communities. Our proposals are currently available online on our Heritage Portal and we welcome comments or feedback before taking a final view on the listing.”