Developer unveils proposals for vacant land at waterfront.

Mixed use development, mostly housing, at south of Esplanade would put paid to hovercraft dream

Vacant land at Kirkcaldy’s waterfront could be transformed if a developer is given the green light.

Plans have emerged for a mixed used development, predominantly involving housing, at the southern end of the Esplanade.

If they are approved they would rule out once and for all the site’s use as a hovercraft terminal.

A test service several years ago saw 32,000 passengers travel by hovercraft across the Forth to Portobello, and planning permission was later granted for a terminal and slipway, but the ambitious proposal has never come to fruition.

A large swath of land near Morrisons, including the site of Stagecoach garages which were recently demolished, and a stretch alongside and behind the supermarket are now earmarked for construction.

More details of the scheme are to be revealed at a public consultation later this month.

Broughty Ferry-based Grant Road Properties has lodged a proposal of application notice (PAN) with Fife Council, with the intention of submitting a planning application.

Burntisland, Kinghorn and Kirkcaldy West councillor Gordon Langlands urged residents to attend the consultation event to find out what is in the pipeline and to have their say.

He said: “This is a very interesting preapplication.

“It has the potential, if the applicant can get agreement with all the property owners, to tidy up and add to the area,” he added.

“I would encourage people to go along and have a look and make sure their views are taken into account.”

The PAN maps out the land where the mixed use development is proposed at 397 to 401 Esplanade, opposite where Lidl is to build a new store.

It states there would be phased delivery of a residential-led mixed use development, with associated site access, car parking and external works.

The drop-in consultation in the Philp Hall on July 31 will run from 11am to 8pm.

Stagecoach operated the hovercraft trial in 2007, funded by Sestran, and pledged investment of more than £10 million in two craft and infrastructure. However, Edinburgh City Council rejected plans for a ramp.

Four years ago another company, Forthfast, expressed interest in establishing a service but so far no moves have been made.

It has the potential to tidy up and add to the area. I would encourage people to go and have a look and make sure their views are taken into account.

GORDON LANGLANDS