PROPOSALS to revamp Kincardine with more than £3million worth of improvements are due to come a step closer this week.

Fife Council planners had recommended that members of the Central and West area planning committee approve the planning application at their meeting today (Wednesday).

The Coalfields Regeneration Trust (CRT) had requested permission for environmental improvements including alterations and re-alignment of carriageway (A977 and A876), the resurfacing of public areas and the installation of street furniture in the High Street area.

The arrangement of the High Street and northern approach road is also set to be altered while seating and bins would be among the facilities added.

A report to councillors explained: "This application proposal is for full planning permission for a variety of environmental improvements within the centre of Kincardine.

"There are many parts of the overall proposal which do not require the benefit of planning permission such as the change in bus routes and the stopping up of existing roads; however, to realise all elements of the proposal, cooperation and buy-in from a range of different stakeholders will be required.

"Elements of the proposal which require full planning permission include footpath/carriageway resurfacing, installation of street furniture/bus stops and alterations to public spaces where significant areas of landscaping are proposed."

As reported previously, the proposals aim to create a sense of "gateway" to Kincardine entering from either end, especially off the Kincardine Bridge, thanks to landscape treatment and signage to roads, cycle paths and pedestrian routes.

The proposed changes to the High Street were designed to enhance commercial activity in the town centre and make the area a more community-friendly space.

This would include an improved physical appearance of the street and shop fronts, buses redirected to the north approach road, the addition of attractive seating and cycle racks, enhanced landscaping; and a shared surface for both cyclists and pedestrians.

A total of seven objections, as well as one general comment, were received by Fife Council with concerns raised including road safety, effect on trade and a loss of parking on the High Street.

Recommending the plans for approval, planner Jamie Penman added: "The proposal carriageway narrowing, footpath widening, landscaping, street furniture and resurfacing is welcomed and would provide the centre of Kincardine with areas with prioritise

safe pedestrian movement and spaces for community events, without having a negative impact on the viability and vitality of the local shopping centre.

"The use of high-quality finishing materials would ensure an acceptable visual standard is achieved which not only enhances the character of the Kincardine Conservation Area but also preserves the setting of listed buildings."