THE DEVELOPMENT of the Duracord building in Dunfermline has been put on hold until retail giants Tesco decide whether they'll build their store.

It's stalemate for the multi-million pound plans for an 'urban village' on the site of the former textile mill until the supermarket chain make their decision.

Linklever Ltd applied for planning permission in 2007 for shops, a restaurant, cr�ches and a coffee bar, as well as 80 flats.

The hope was that the development would encourage people to settle in central Dunfermline and complement the ongoing regeneration.

But an initial bump came when the council asked for �984,750 from Linklever in 2008 and councillors at the City of Dunfermline area committee voiced concerns that it could jeopardise the development.

Now the project has come up against another hurdle, as its future lies in the hands of the ubiquitous supermarket chain.

Managing director Bill Fletcher told the Press, "The development has stalled. It's uncertain whether Tesco will build their store and the whole Duracord project was designed to feed off the Tesco plans.

"We still have a lot of retailers who want the adjacent site but they're well aware that if Tesco don't take it that's a whole different matter.

"If Tesco don't take this up then we'll have to have a re-think.

"We still have the same plans, and the potential occupiers of the retail units are still on board, but at the minute it's all in Tesco's lap.

"We've been waiting for some years but once the wheels came off the economy it delayed their decision.

"We are very conscious that it is an important development site for Dunfermline so naturally our priority is that something is done before too long." But while they're waiting, the Duracord developers are ensuring that the project is sitting pretty. Artwork will be placed over the facade in the hope of brightening up the existing building until the plans can continue.

Mr Fletcher said, "The building has been vandalised over the years and become a bit of an eyesore.

"There are plans to cover it in artwork and we're more than happy to support this."