WORK is finally set to start on the £4 million development of Dalgety Bay Gateway this month minus one of its key businesses.

Fife Council have granted full planning permission for the regeneration of Donibristle Industrial Estate after having previously approved Scarborough Muir Group's plans for an Aldi supermarket and a Marston's Inn restaurant in 2015.

A spokesperson for SMG, who also own land at Rosyth waterfront, said: "We are delighted that the planning application has been accepted and look forward to starting on site soon."

They also confirmed that work is expected to start on the four acres of land at Ridge Way – where the Fleming Building used to stand – this month.

However, Marston's told the Press that they are no longer involved in the plans.

A spokesperson said: “We have built over 20 successful pub and lodges in Scotland so far. However, we will not be progressing with the Dalgety site as since our initial interest which began over four years ago, the market has changed and we need to adapt with it; therefore our site criteria and this site no longer fits. We will continue to search for the right site."

Aldi was expected to open in July last year but a fresh application was submitted to Fife Council in September with the inclusion of a Domino's takeaway and a Screwfix Direct. A Coral bookmakers and a Greggs bakery shop are also part of the plans for the site.

Alice McGarry, Inverkeithing and Dalgety Bay councillor, told the Press: "It has been a long time coming. It has blighted the town for too long.

"Planning permission was originally given but the developers came back with their changes.

"I think the Aldi in particular will be a big boost to Dalgety Bay. People from the area would usually travel to either Dunfermline or Cowdenbeath to get to Ald, but it'll make a difference having it local and having people spending money here instead."

Marston's unit would have occupied the south-west corner of the site. The second 'gateway' building will be occupied by Aldi, at the north-west corner. The other units will be along the eastern boundary.