FRESH plans for a performing arts centre in Dunfermline have been approved by Fife Council.

The Alhambra Theatre Trust were seeking approval to change the use of the old Watt & Dewar premises on New Row, a building “in a state of disrepair” and vacant for more than a decade, into the Ironmongers Studio.

The proposals will see it transformed into a 200-seat theatre and cinema, with café and bar area, and alterations including new windows and doors, gates and fencing, and a pedestrian link to Walmer Drive car park.

It will become the HQ for the Alhambra Stage School and home for the Dunfermline Cinema Project.

Plans were approved last year but did not include the wrought iron gates, café/bar area and the formation of a footpath, so a fresh application was tabled in December 2019.

The project will also now continue in two phases, with a proposed extension to be added at a later date.

A planning agent for the trust had previously complained that the time it took the council to determine the first application – it was submitted in October 2017 and finally approved in May 2019 – had meant they missed out on potential funding.

The application was heard yesterday (Wednesday) at the west and central planning committee where it received the green light.

There were six objections, including a letter from Central Dunfermline Community Council (CDCC), and five letters of support.

Concerns included noise issues, use of common good land, no justification for a bar, lack of consultation, increase in traffic noise and a detrimental impact on the public garden.

The council said all of the concerns were addressed in their report.

In March, the council approved the lease of a small plot of common good land, 16 square metres of land on the corner of New Row and Park Avenue, to the trust for improved access to the premises.

A sheriff is yet to make a final ruling.

Dunfermline Cinema Project wrote in support of the plans while others welcomed the cafe and bar and said the proposals would breathe new life into a dormant building.

Supporters added that a performing arts centre would benefit the town greatly and provide opportunities for young people.

The trust said the stage school had been going for eight years and attracted a large number of children and young people between the ages of six and 18.

A supporting statement said the bar would only be in operation for cinema and theatre performances, with young children able to buy snacks and soft drinks from vending machines in the rehearsal area.

Opening hours are still to be agreed but “they do not intend to have late-night operation” and added that the bar was “essential to the sustainability of the business model”.

A council report said it would “likely encourage a significant number of visitors to the town centre” and provide an economic benefit by bringing a “redundant long-term vacant building” back into use.

Noise mitigation measures are among the suggested planning conditions.