PLANNING permission in principle has been granted to transform a former opencast coal mine in Fife into an eco-wellness and leisure destination.
The approval supports a mixed‑use land regeneration comprising eco‑wellness and leisure uses and facilities, including short term visitor accommodation (such as lodges), tourism and visitor uses, education and learning spaces, landscape restoration and supporting infrastructure, to be delivered in phases over a number of years.
National Pride is behind the plans, with the organisation saying that the regeneration of St Ninians will deliver tangible benefit for local people and the wider Fife economy, with deliberate environmentally responsible and sustainable design. More than half the site is proposed for woodland, wetland and habitat enhancement increasing biodiversity, alongside landscape‑led development that enables employment, learning and wellness uses to function sustainably.
Detailed layouts, buildings, and delivery phases are to be brought forward separately through future applications, environmental assessment and consultation as investment is secured and delivery progresses.
Responding to the decision, Irene Bisset, chair of National Pride, said, “We are delighted with the decision today to consent Planning Permission in Principle for St Ninians. This decision supports the careful regeneration of a former mining site that has stood unused for many years.
“The focus now is on delivering the creation of jobs, learning opportunities and long‑term sustainable uses while restoring ecological attributes and environmental value to a former industrial site.
“This approval provides certainty on direction. Delivery will take place in phases over time as detailed designs, operators and investment are brought forward.”
