AN historic 17th century townhouse in Inverkeithing that's been derelict for 15 years is to be turned into visitor accommodation.

Fordell's Lodging, a category A listed building on Church Street, contains a coat of arms of King Charles II but a local councillor said it hadn't been shown the "love and care" it warrants. 

But now a Mr S Montague, of Kadima Developments in Edinburgh, has been given planning permission from Fife Council to change the use of the vacant church hall for residential purposes. 

He said it will be made available as a "dwelling house for short term holiday let".

Dunfermline Press: Fordell's Lodging has a moulded plaster panel representing the coat of arms of King Charles II. Fordell's Lodging has a moulded plaster panel representing the coat of arms of King Charles II. (Image: Shepherd Commercial)

A planning statement on his behalf added: “This building has been left derelict for 15 years and the current proposals aim to reinstate its original residential use without any detrimental effect from a heritage point of view."

Fordell's Lodging is said to have been built as a townhouse for Sir John Henderson of Fordell, whose main residence was Fordell Castle and who acquired the property in 1666.

In the 1930s, it was “considerably altered” to become a church hall for St Peter’s. 

However, the three-storey property with projecting turrets has lain empty for many years.

Dunfermline Press: Plans to change the use of the 17th century Fordell's Lodging in Inverkeithing, to a short term let, have been approved.Plans to change the use of the 17th century Fordell's Lodging in Inverkeithing, to a short term let, have been approved. (Image: Shepherd Commercial)

Previously a dwelling house and church hall, it was put up for sale earlier this year for offers over £75,000.

At the time, local councillor David Barratt had told the Press: "This building has not received the love and care it warrants in recent years and so I really hope any new owner has a love of history and architecture and can bring this building back into use."

Kadima Developments has since scooped up the property and now wants to see it become a short term let.

The transformation will include a vast range of improvements, repairs and house-fitting works to bring the property back into use as lodging. 

In total, developers intend to add six new internal wall lines to aid subdivision for modern living. 

Damp-proofing will take place throughout the property to prevent water ingress and restore damaged areas. 

An existing toilet on the stairwell up to the first floor will be transformed into a sauna, and the stair tower will be converted into a ‘snug’.

Developers also plan to re-glaze all existing timber windows and replace other doors and fittings as they go.