THE future of Rosyth’s waterfront again divided councillors when it came up as part of discussions on the FIFEplan proposed Local Development Plan.

The site proved a contentious issue at the South West Fife area committee last month, with councillors debating whether to keep the land for industrial, port-related use or rezone it for mixed use.

In 2009, Fife’s planning committee decided that the waterfront should be designated for commercial use only, with councillors removing any mention of housing in the policy.

The move sank Scarborough Muir’s £500million plans to redevelop the site to be used for offices, hotels, leisure, business, fast-food chains, retail and a community woodland.

The proposal also included reinstating public access to the waterfront area but councillors were concerned that a change would jeopardise Rosyth’s development as an international port.

But last week, councillors argued that with no concrete plans for the site, it should be made use of in other ways.

Rosyth Labour councillor Mike Shirkie said, “There’s an international container port that Babcock have permission for. Having got that approval, there’s no sign yet of any work starting on the project. Permission was given for Forth Energy to construct a biomass plant but I understand there’s no money available and it may or may not go ahead.

“I understand the need for jobs and port-related activity is hugely important but that area has sat for 18 years with nothing being done on it.

“Tourism is one of the big growth industries in Fife and we really need to do something in terms of magnifying the three bridges.

“How much longer is port-related use going to be the priority before something happens?” Fellow Labour councillor Pat Callaghan concurred, saying a mixed-use waterfront would “bring back the coastline to the people of Fife for the first time in 100 years”.

He added, “Thousands supported a revamped waterfront for mixed use. We’re not going to get those tourists in if we don’t revamp it.” However, Rosyth SNP councillor Douglas Chapman stressed the potential for future jobs.

He said, “To give up on this site for housing and other mixed use at this time is short-sighted.

“The owner, Scarborough Muir, have spent a lot of time, energy and money in preparing the site.

“We have been through a tough recession where commercial activity has taken a hit and businesses have found it difficult to invest but the economy is now picking up.” Inverkeithing SNP councillor Alice McGarry added, “It has the potential to be a huge employer and we shouldn’t be building houses on it.

“Rosyth is not just strategic to Fife but to Scotland. What we’re arguing here is for mixed use in the middle of an industrial development.

“We need to keep a clear line between that. There shouldn’t be shilly-shallying – if you give mixed signals in the development plan, then it can be taken advantage of by others.” But Tory councillor Dave Dempsey argued, “To take areas where nothing has happened for considerable time, and take the line that we hope something comes along later, doesn’t seem very sensible.” Councillor Lesley Laird said Rosyth was a “strategic industrial site”, acknowledging it would be “short-sighted” to miss out on potential economic investment.

Councillors voted 5-4 in favour of mixed use, with councillors Laird and Gavin Yates abstaining. The recommendations will now go before executive committee on 9th September for further consideration.