Land lease is 'good for Dunfermline'

That's according to Councillor Helen Law who added that any comparisons with the controversial 'Glen business school' proposals were wide of the mark.

She had the casting vote with the City of Dunfermline area committee paving the way for common good land to be leased to the Alhambra Theatre Trust.

It's part of the trust's plans for a new performing arts centre in the town, and HQ for their stage school, but drew sharp criticism.

Dunfermline MSP Shirley-Anne Somerville called the decision "absurd" and Central Dunfermline Community Council submitted a formal complaint.

Cllr Law said: "The Glen is a well-used and well-loved park in Dunfermline, I don't think it's quite the same argument.

"Trying to move forward, when a proposal like this comes up I always try and consider 'what's good for Dunfermline?'

"Do we revamp an area for the good of the town or be left with an unused and unloved piece of land that's next to an empty building?

"I could see the argument if we were short of green space but we have plenty of it in Dunfermline with the Public Park, the Glen, Rex Park, Townhill Country Park, Bull Park, the Lyne Burn corridor and more."

The community council had said they "will object to every common good land grab" and added: "This case sets an important precedent that should be absolutely rejected.

"A comparison in recent times was when Fife Council decided to provide a part of Pittencrieff Park to Harvard Business School."

This is a reference to the proposals for a £30 million educational facility in the Glen that were put forward by the Mace Group – who were involved in high-calibre developments such as the London Eye – in 2006.

Scott Barrie, MSP for Dunfermline West at the time, had reservations but felt the prestigious nature of a Harvard-style business school required an "iconic" site and that it would put the town on the "international stage".

Opponents pointed out that the park was gifted to the people of Dunfermline by Andrew Carnegie and it should stay unspoiled for future generations.

The area of common good land is on the corner of New Row and Park Avenue and was gifted to Dunfermline in 1962 by the Carnegie Dunfermline & Hero Fund trustees with the proviso that it be maintained as open space and not developed.

The community council complained that while they had been involved in the consultation, none of their views were included in the report to the committee.

Fife Council's service manager for estates, Michael O'Gorman, responded: “During the last six months, Fife Council has consulted with elected members and the community council.

"A range of views were expressed and these were shared with and between the consultees during that period.

"The community council’s opposition to the lease disposal was expressly stated in the report presented to committee.

"Following the committee decision, the council's legal services are now considering the need for sheriff’s consent.

"If this is required, we will seek consent in accordance with the relevant legislation.

"That will include notification to the community council.”

Last week, the Alhambra Theatre Trust said the "ongoing bluster" from the community council and the SNP "masks an underlying attempt to derail the entire stage school project".

They added that the site would not be built on, would be improved and available to stage school students and the general public.