PLANS for new shop units which will form a key part of the regeneration project for Inverkeithing’s Fraser Avenue have been submitted to Fife Council.

7N Architects have applied for planning permission for the new units and, if given the go-ahead, the area’s existing shops – which located at the base of an empty block of flats – will be demolished as part of the rolling programme of demolition and construction.

The construction of the new shops will run alongside the delivery of the first phase of new terraced housing currently emerging on site.

Fife Council’s community and housing services committee convener, Councillor Judy Hamilton, said they were delighted that the project has reached another significant milestone with the submission of the planning application.

“I know that the design team undertook consultation with the existing shops owners and the wider community so I would like to thank everyone who took time to get involved in this process and provide valuable feedback,” she said.

“There is still much work to be done but I would thank the design team for the hard work in reaching this stage.”

Kingdom Initiatives’ director of development, Scott Kirkpatrick, said: “Building them alongside Kingdom Housing Association’s 53 new homes for social rent is a key element within Fife Council’s regeneration masterplan for the area,” he added.

The new shop units and homes forming the first phase are due for completion by the end of 2018.