The former Tullis Russell paper factory in Fife is to be redeveloped after Advance Construction & McGill’s Buses owners Sandy & James Easdale were given the green light by Fife Council.

A £250m residential-led mixed use development of the 130 acre site will deliver up to 850 new homes (85 of which will be affordable homes), a care home and retirement village, as well as new commercial, retail and leisure space.

Sandy Easdale said: “We’re delighted that councillors have given the go-ahead to the regeneration of the former Tullis Russell paper mill site. This development has the power to transform Glenrothes and breathe new life into the local economy.

“We forecast that the development will cost in the region of £250m, creating 300 jobs during construction and 800 permanent jobs once complete. We want to see lasting benefits to the region from this development and the improvements to the road network, especially at the Cadham junction, will be positive for existing residents and businesses.

“We have already had five housebuilders from across the UK expressing serious interest in the site.

“This is going to be an exceptional development with great transport and leisure options and there is great anticipation about what it will deliver for the region’s bright future.”

Lead planning consultant Barton Willmore has worked closely with Advance Construction (GD) Ltd (a partnership between Sandy and James Easdale and Advance Construction) to develop the plans, providing town planning, masterplanning, landscape, environmental impact assessment and socio-economic assessment services for the project.

Seamus Shields, owner of Advance Construction, said: “We’re proud that we have received planning permission from Fife Council and our appreciation goes to the local authority and other stakeholders in assisting us to create a vision that will benefit Glenrothes from years to come.”

Advance Construction (GD) will oversee the development of the site between Glenrothes and Markinch over the next decade.