NEW powers will allow Fife Council to order the sale of derelict buildings and gap sites in the Dunfermline and West Fife area, the Scottish Government has announced.

The introduction of Compulsory Sale Orders (CSOs) could now be the catalyst that sees an end to sites such as the former registrars office on Abbot Street lying empty for years.

These powers would allow councils to force owners to sell ‘harmful’ unused sites at auction instead of them lying empty, although they won’t be available until 2021.

Dunfermline MSP, Shirley-Anne Somerville, said: “These new powers represent an excellent opportunity to encourage development in Dunfermline and West Fife.

“Residents will be well aware of sites in the local area which are in need of regeneration. Compulsory Sale Orders will be an important tool in the council’s armour to help make this happen.

“As well as being an eyesore, derelict buildings can be a magnet for antisocial behaviour. Communities will certainly benefit if problem sites are cleaned up and repurposed.

“Once these powers become available to Fife Council, I will be encouraging them to make use of them at the earliest opportunity.”

Back in August, the Press revealed that investment firms could be leaving Dunfermline buildings empty just to make a quick buck.

The former registrar's office was sold at auction at that time for £75,000 and then put back on the market just days later for nearly THREE times that amount at £220,000.

Councillors and local groups believed that a London investment company had taken the site over.

Similar circumstances have been seen at the former Blossom restaurant when it was sold for £125,000 and then doubled in price overnight.

Also, a former bridal shop on James Street was sold at the end of June for £114,000 before going on sale for £185,000.

So could these new Compulsory Sale Orders stop the absentee landlord trend?

Jean Ferguson, of Friends of Dunfermline, said: “The Friends of Dunfermline support any initiative that will help restore or repurpose neglected places in Dunfermline for long-term benefit.

“This CSO legislation will help remove one of the barriers. We strongly advise that the community is invited to actively participate in development plans for CSO properties/spaces. This is the best way to achieve great outcomes.”