Fife Council is in receipt of an 850-home masterplan for the former Tullis Russell Paper Mill between Glenrothes and Markinch, 85 of which will be affordable.

An application for planning permission in principle has been submitted by Barton Willmore on behalf of Advance Construction for the 52-hectare site which will be developed over the next decade at a cost of £42.5m to include a mix of retail, leisure, business, industrial space and a care home.

Planning director for Barton Willmore in Scotland, Colin Lavety, said: “The Planning Permission in Principle application we have submitted aims to breathe new life back into what is an important landmark historically for the town of Glenrothes. It will regenerate a high-profile site which has been left vacant since the former Tullis Russell Paper Mill site was closed, creating a desirable, attractive and highly sustainable place to live and work.

“Our focus has been to deliver alternative but complementary uses to the existing town centre, alongside a mix of high-quality homes which are within easy walking distance of schools, jobs, shops, leisure facilities, parkland and public transport.”