THE controversial master plan for the regeneration of the former Westfield open-cast coal site, near Kinglassie, is being compromised, claims Cardenden Community Council.

A few days after the plan was approved by Fife Council a planning application for 10 gas powered generators was submitted, which is not included in the master plan.

Another application has just been submitted asking for the go-ahead for a biomass power plant, which was originally submitted in 2007. Again, says the community council, this is not in the master plan.

Said the community council secretary David Taylor: "Fife Council's latest waste management policy makes no reference to using the Westfield site and poses the question - where will the 100's of lorries a day be bringing the waste from to be re-cycled and incinerated?

"The promised 2500 jobs is only an estimate, based on the possible construction of several hundred industrial units, with each employing around 10 people. This will be the site of the proposed biomass plant.

"This makes a complete mockery of the master plan and posses another question - does anyone really know what's going on?"

He added: "The four communities surrounding the site have set up an action group and are in the process of setting up a liaison group to discuss the plans with Hargreaves, who own the site.

It has also been proposed that a joint Central/West planning committee be formed to approve any plans, rather than a delegated decision by a planning officer.

Added Mr Taylor: "What is envisaged is a Business Park, creating employment and green energy, rather than power stations and a Waste Tip for Central Scotland.

"The site could also be included in a Country Park, linking the upgraded Lochore Meadows Park with the Lomond Hills Regional Park, forming part of a Green Network and attracting more tourists to the area.

"The illustration shows a suggested park format our community council prepared some years ago showing what could be achieved.

"Meantime, Fife Council's planning committee needs to withhold planning permission for both these applications, until a full understanding of the situation is established."

Green MSP Mark Ruskell MSP has been closely following development plans for Westfield and commenetd: “The proposed biomass plant was granted permission back in 2008, but plans to resurrect this after nearly ten years were buried deep in the recent masterplan and it did not feature on the site map shared with local residents.

"The community are right to once again feel like they have been hoodwinked, and it raises further questions about whether the developer has been transparent about plans for the site".

He concluded: "These dirty tactics are unfortunately all too common in our planning system, which puts far too much power in the hands of developers.

"The new planning bill that is currently going through Parliament needs to radically shift the balance of power and make sure proper community consultation takes place ahead of developments like Westfield.

"We would greatly urge Hargreaves to come to the table and participate in a liaison group with the communities affected.”

Hargreaves have indeed said that they wish to take the communities surrounding Westfield with them and have talked about the value of a liaison group.