Planning Application - 500+ sign petition

Over 500 people have signed a petition in support of Cowdenbeath Football Cub’s application to Fife Council regarding outline planning permission for a major retail and housing development on the Central Park site, and the proposed relocation of the football club to a purpose-built community stadium in the Broad Street area of the town.

The two-part ambitious proposals would support the economic growth of Cowdenbeath’s town centre and safeguard the future of the Football Club. The development of a supermarket on the Central Park site would create jobs and significantly increase foot fall in the town centre to the benefit of local businesses. The proposals also include the provision of much needed new housing.

However, the viability of the proposals are threatened by an application from Vico Ltd to construct a supermarket in the North End Park area of the town. Fife Council are due to meet on Wednesday 20th April 2011 to consider Vico’s application for outline planning permission to redevelop North End Park.

Club Chairman Donald Findlay QC said, “Over 500 people have signed a petition in support of the Club’s proposals and in opposition to the application to redevelop North End Park.

“The Central Park area has been identified in Fife Council's Kirkcaldy and Mid Fife Local Draft Development Plan as a key area for mixed use redevelopment in the town. The construction of a retail development at North End Park is, in our opinion, contrary to this and would make the proposals to redevelop Central Park unviable.

“We firmly believe that our proposals offer the best option for the local community and the economic competitiveness of the town. In addition, the receipts generated by the supermarket development would unlock funding for the construction of a community stadium. This would safeguard the long-term future of Cowdenbeath Football Club and provide the town and surrounding areas with a first class sports facility

“We hope that Fife Council will consider both proposals together on their merits before making any decision that will have major implications for the prosperity of Cowdenbeath and the long-term future of its football club.”

Thanks to all those who signed the petition - your support is very much appreciated.