PLANS for a new cafe and public toilets in the "tranquil surroundings" between Kelty and Lochore Meadows Country Park have been approved by Fife Council.
W J Thomson And Sons already have permission for a holiday park with 80 lodges on their Hilton of Beath Farm and now they've got the go-ahead to add a "delightful spot" where locals and visitors can enjoy food and drink.
The cafe is aimed at walkers and cyclists with the idea that they'll pause for refreshments - or use a 'grab and go' serving hatch - before going off to explore the Meedies and surrounding countryside.
A planning statement on behalf of the Thomson's explained: "For residents of Kelty, the cafe offers a local gathering spot where they can socialise, enjoy quality food and beverages, and take pride in showcasing the area’s natural beauty to friends and family.
"Additionally, the availability of public toilets ensures that residents and visitors alike can comfortably enjoy extended periods in the park, fostering a sense of belonging and encouraging regular use of the recreational facilities.
"Moreover, these amenities attract tourists to Kelty, boosting local businesses and stimulating economic growth in the area."
The Thomson's application for a major tourism development, with the conversion of a cow shed to include a café, office, three shops, 80 lodges, car parking, access and landscaping, was given the green light in January.
The holiday park will cover more than seven hectares of their land to the east of the Great North Road (B996), at the edge of the country park and Moss Wood.
Detailed plans for the cafe were submitted in April.
As well as the cafe building measuring roughly 15.5 metres x 13.5 metres and a separate toilet block, the approved plans include an outdoor seating area, solar panels and flues, footpath, road and associated works.
There were seven letters of support.
The planning statement added: "The cafe provides a delightful spot for visitors to pause, savour locally sourced refreshments, and soak in the tranquil surroundings, while the public toilets ensure convenience and comfort for all park-goers."
Proposals were first tabled in 2021. The land was previously in use as Kelty railway station from the late 1800s to the mid-20th century, and was also mined for coal.
Scottish Environmental Protection Agency flood maps indicate that the site is "partially at risk of surface water flooding" but a drainage report on behalf of the applicant said that "surface water would be discharged to the surface water culvert within the site".
The council's structural services team was happy with the mitigation measures and confirmed they had no objections.
And a report by the planning service added: "Given that the proposal would provide a cafe predominantly for use by walkers and cyclists using Lochore Meadows Country Park, this would provide for access to the countryside.
"In addition, the development would contribute to the viability, sustainability and diversity of the rural economy in this location.
"Overall, the siting of the proposed buildings and use of natural finishing materials would ensure that the proposal would integrate well within the site and surrounding area."
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