PLANS to demolish the old ambulance depot in Dunfermline and build seven retirement homes have been lodged.

Young Hunter & Turnbull Ltd, who are based at the Carnegie Clinic in Inglis Street, want to replace the empty premises in Keir Hardie Terrace with bungalows for the elderly.

A planning statement on behalf of the firm said: "There has been a great deal of interest from the local residents and much concern as to what the future use would be.

"Given its former purpose, many residents were very apprehensive as to whether there would be activities generating the same levels of traffic

movement and nuisance as previously.

"It appears from initial consultations carried out by the developer that, on the whole, the proposals are very much in favour and will be welcomed as the best solution for the site with a significant reduction in the impact of vehicle movements and general noise from the site."

A planning application has been submitted to Fife Council and, if approved, the current building will be knocked down, seven one-bedroom bungalows will be built and seven car-parking spaces created.

Agents for the company continued: "This type of property is much needed in the community and with a growing elderly population the demand is set to continue to rise.

"Single-storey homes like these with very few physical barriers over the development provide a safe, comfortable environment for older people to reside, in an area which promotes a community spirit for like-minded neighbours."

The agents said that neighbouring residents had to put up with a "considerable degree of nuisance" until the ambulance depot closed in 2017 – the emergency service is now based in Pitreavie Business Park.

They said the housing development would be less intrusive and explained: "Patient transportation ambulances generally worked from the hours of 8am-6pm with ‘blue light’ emergency vehicles operating 24 hours a day/seven days a week.

"Although local operational practices were put in place to try to limit the impact on the surrounding residential neighbourhood (such as not using sirens unless necessary) there was still a considerable degree of nuisance caused.

"This facility created a significant flow of traffic onto Keir Hardie Terrace due to operational vehicle movements and staff car-parking, which occurred at all times of day to provide the necessary response and cater for shift patterns.

"The site represents an opportunity for sustainable infill development, within the settlement boundary."