FIFE COUNCIL are not listening to the community – that’s the view of many Rosyth residents who have been left angered by the new £250m waterfront plan.

The Scarborough Muir Group have launched ‘Queensferry One’ – a new masterplan for Rosyth Waterfront – to coincide with the opening of the Queensferry Crossing and if approved by Fife Council, will consist of new offices, industrial, manufacturing and logistic warehouses and space for roadside-type uses such as a service station and food outlets, and a 120-bed budget hotel.

The Group have estimated 8,000 jobs would be created by the development.

However, this has caused outrage among some in the Rosyth community, who want to see more amenities and leisure facilities in their area.

Steven Leckie, of community group What’s Happening Rosyth, said: “The council are simply not listening to the community of Rosyth.

“We have to drive to find local amenities so we want a waterfront that is a vibrant area, full of bars, cafes, access to a promenade and a massive leisure facility similar to Soar at Braehead.

“As pointed out by the Queen and First Minister last Monday, there is nowhere in the world that has three bridges built over three centuries but what are we doing to capitalise on this?

“Nothing.”

Rosyth Community Council agreed, saying the “only sensible way forward is for the site to be mixed use”.

Hundreds of locals took to social media to air their concerns over the new waterfront plan, many stressing their desire to see the developer’s originals plans approved by Fife Council instead.

Janet Fraser, from Peasehill in Rosyth, told the Press: “I do not know anybody who wants an industrial site.

“After walking over the new bridge, I realised we should use this to our advantage.

“There are already unused offices and industrial units, we want leisure facilities, it could be such an attraction.”

Councillors and council officials are yet to scrutinise the ‘Queensferry One’ development as no planning application has been received to date. 

In the past, the government reporter examining the draft FIFEplan had recommended that the site should remain for port/industrial use.

However, Scottish ministers asked the council to modify the plan and prepare an investment framework to support the regeneration of the waterfront.

Cllr Andrew Verrecchia added: “Planning officers need to open their minds wider and show more ambition with this project. 

“We have a brownfield site here in Rosyth that can potentially deliver huge benefits in terms of employment and leisure but also housing and I’m astonished at the complete omission of housing from this plan considering the Scottish Government stating that the Fife Plan did not allow for enough housing provision. 

“The people of Rosyth have consistently voiced their preference for a thriving mixed use development at the Waterfront and their continued frustration at the lack of progress is palpable.”

Douglas Chapman, MP for Dunfermline and West Fife, said: “I have requested a meeting with both Fife Council and Scarborough Muir and the ball is very much in their court as to how the development proceeds from here.

“Like most people, I have not yet seen the detailed plan for Queensferry One. What I do know is that we must make the most of the economic benefits of the new Queensferry Crossing to help create jobs for West Fife.”

Robin Presswood, head of economy, planning and employability at Fife Council, said: “Before the application is submitted, there is likely to be a 12-week pre-application period for consultation and engagement with the community.

“Once the developer submits their plans, there will be an opportunity for all interested parties to make submissions which will be considered before a final decision is taken in the application.”