THE owner of The Olive Tree restaurant in Dunfermline has resubmitted plans to turn the building into a flat amid difficult trading circumstances.

Proposals to convert the eatery, near Dunfermline High School, into a ground-floor flat, matching the accommodation above on the first floor, were first put forward last summer.

However, they were withdrawn due to insufficient supporting information. Fife Council planners also said that change of use went against policy because the restaurant hadn't been marketed for sale.

A "large drop in trade" was given as the reason for closing the restaurant.

A planning statement submitted on behalf of owner Ferdous Oskooi read: "The property still runs as a bar/restaurant although competition from the major restaurant chains has lead to a large drop in trade.

"It is proposed to retain the existing first-floor flat currently occupied by the manager and convert the ground-floor public bar area, restaurant and kitchen toilets into a two-bedroom flat.

"The outbuildings will be removed and this space at the rear set aside for garden/amenity space.

Mr Oskooi acquired the premises at St Leonard's Street, formerly the Auld Toll Tavern, in 2008.

He opened Casa di Italia, the first Italian restaurant in Dunfermline, more than 30 years ago. He followed that with Il Pescatore in Limekilns, then came the Pavarotie in Aberdour, La Caspiano and Ferdousio’s in Dalgety Bay, the Drift Inn in Aberdour and Hotel Roma in Halbeath.

It's believed that a public house has been at the site since 1895.