MORE town centre living could be created in Dunfermline after plans submitted to Fife Council were given the green light.

Retailers Andrew Thomson Electrical and Lifestyle Furniture wanted the go-ahead to change the use of part of their building from offices to eight apartments.

Back in November, store partner Jim Thomson told the Press that the proposals would not affect their retail operation but would allow them to utilise unused parts of their premises.

"Our building consists of about six levels – we have got attic space and a couple of levels used as offices," he explained.

"They have been sitting empty for quite some time. We have marketed them without any success and there has been very little interest.

"There has been a big move away from High Street and the town centre for businesses. Offices in particular are looking for parking and ease of access and the town centre no longer offers that.

"We believe there is a willingness to get more people living in town centres again to offer a better mix so rather than just have businesses and offices, the Scottish Government is trying to bring people back into town centres."

Mr Thomson said the upper part of the building had been used as residential accommodation in the past and they were keen to revert to this with the creation of one- and two-bedroom apartments.