7,000 new jobs claim by firm

Bid to build 2,150 homes, school and business units at Dunfermline

A major expansion south-west of Dunfermline could bring 7,000 new jobs to the town, say developers.

Stirling Developments has lodged an application for planning permission in principle for 2,150 homes, a school and business units at the Broomhall site owned by the Earl of Elgin.

Under the proposal, £600 million would be invested in the area over a period of three decades.

Neil Beswick from Stirling Developments said the new settlement would boost the town centre. He said: “We have held quite a lot of pre-application consultation with local communities and while everyone is always nervous about new developments happening, we are keen to address local concerns.”

Detailed plans for the Broomhall project are expected to be submitted by the end of the year.

Plans have been lodged for a £600 million project which developers claim could bring 7,000 new jobs to Dunfermline.

Stirling Developments has applied for planning permission in principle for business premises and at least 2,150 new homes at the Broomhall site south of the town.

The developers say that as well as providing enough homes for around 4,655 people, the project could bring 7,150 jobs to the area over the next three decades.

Director of projects Neil Beswick said the aim was to provide homes close to workplaces and in easy reach of Dunfermline town centre.

He said: “We have a large amount of employment land as part of the application. We’re looking at creating a sustainable place where people work close to where they live.

“What’s important is having employment areas in the development, and not just large areas which are zoned.

“There would be various offices, warehouses and light industry, but also mixed use areas with start-up incubator units.”

Mr Beswick said the development was similar in concept to the Calderwood settlement in West Lothian.

As an expansion to the south west of Dunfermline, he said it would help boost the town centre.

“We have held quite a lot of preapplication consultation with local communities and while everyone is always nervous about new developments happening, we are keen to address local concerns.”

One of the main access routes to the new settlement would be the notorious Grange Road.

Concerns were raised about the safety of the single carriageway road after fatal crashes in 2007 and 2008, resulting in a 30mph speed limit being introduced.

Stirling Developments said work to upgrade Grange Road has been included as part of the proposal.

“Obviously transport improvements have been discussed at length with Fife Council and transport consultants,” said Mr Beswick.

He added: “Broomhall is close to the town centre, whereas the eastern expansion is more in proximity to the M90.

“Broomhall has the potential to benefit the town centre, and effectively complete the town.”

Mr Beswick said more detailed plans could be submitted by the end of the year.

Broomhall has the potential to benefit the town centre, and effectively complete the town