Consultation on the draft Lochgelly Planning and Transportation Supplementary Guidance document begins on Wednesday 15 June until Wednesday 20 July. The consultation will be held online www.fifedirect.org.uk/lochgellyguidance and hard copies of the document will be available to view in the local library and Local Office along with comment forms.

The supplementary planning guidance document provides guidance on urban design and sustainable development and will apply to all new development in and around Lochgelly including key projects and proposals that were highlighted in the Lochgelly Charrette and the Lochgelly strategic land allocation. It will be used mainly by developers and designers, and planning officers when assessing planning applications.

Cllr John Beare, Strategic Chair of the Planning Committee said ” Our aim is to ensure that all new development in Lochgelly contributes positively to making Lochgelly an attractive and safe place to live, work and invest. In the long term Lochgelly town centre will be revitailised through support for existing businesses, redevelopment projects and improved connections from the town centre to the surrounding areas. We also need to improve perceptions of Lochgelly and encourage new investment in the town. I encourage everyone who is interested to take part in the consultation on this guidance document that will help make it all happen.”

A number of short term improvements have been carried out and include: a vacant retail property audit; a strategy to reduce the number of vacant shops and improvements to brighten up empty shop windows by displaying colourful vinyls.  A town centre perception study was conducted to find out what works well within the town and what improvements people would like to see. Funding has been secured to assess the possible uses for St Andrews Church and plans are being considered to enhance the area behind the church to improve pedestrian connections to Bank Street and to open up the area around the current library.

Business support coupled with physical improvements to the town will improve the look and feel of the town and deliver business sustainability. Marketing campaigns such as “Shop Local” and “Whole Town marketing” will be run to raise the profile of Lochgelly.

For further information on the Lochgelly SPTG contact Alison Wood on 08451 55 55 55 Ext 442268 or email Alison.Wood @fife.gov.uk or go to www.fifedirect.org.uk/lochgellyguidance.

For further information on the short term initiatives that are underway contact Hazel Cross on 08451 55 55 55 Ext 471853 or email hazel.cross@fife.gov.uk