FAMILIES are objecting to plans for a shisha bar in Abbeyview and have submitted a petition to Fife Council.

They're unhappy with proposals to change the use of an old garage/storage space into a hookah smoking lounge at 22 Duncan Crescent, with one neighbour arguing it would lead to "social disorder".

Signs are already up on the premises for the 'Buzz Shisha Lounge', which has a tagline, 'Feel the buzz around you'.

One of the residents, Patricia Hunter, said: "We've opposed it and we've handed in a petition with about 250 names to the council.

"If it's going to be anywhere it should be in the centre of Dunfermline, not slap bang in the middle of a residential area with families and young kids.

"It's not even open, as they haven't got permission, but there are workmen going in and out and it's very busy at night with cars and vans there.

"If it opens, it's going to be a nightmare for parking.

"It's already causing an issue as some of the neighbours can't get their cars in or out and they're using all the parking spaces in front of the shops too."

Shisha bars allow patrons to share and smoke shisha – flavoured or fruit tobacco made from molasses – from a communal hookah or from one placed at each table.

Plans submitted by Mr M Arslan, of Glenrothes, include indoor and outdoor seating areas as well as a serving area and toilets and the proposed site is behind a row of shops and flats on Duncan Crescent.

Among the concerns raised by objectors are late-night noise and disturbance, smells, increased potential for anti-social behaviour, parking problems, impact on deliveries to other businesses, road safety and issues relating to land ownership.

One resident feared it would "attract the wrong crowd" while another believed the shisha bar would "promote drug use" and encourage youngsters to smoke.

The planning application is still to be determined by the council but the transportation service has recommended refusal.

It said: "No off-street parking would be provided for the bar and the resultant shortfall of 15 parking spaces would lead to an increase in vehicles parking within the service areas and on the surrounding public road to the detriment of road safety."

Planning agent John Raeburn, of Poplar Design & Build Ltd, told the Press: "Works were carried out to the building – they're pretty much complete – but my client was unaware he needed planning permission.

"That's why it's a retrospective application which we've now submitted and are awaiting a decision on.

"I've been speaking with the planners and transportation officers and I've got some travel surveys and a supporting statement to go into the council next week.

"That's the stage we're at. We'll work with the council to try and come to a conclusion."

He added: "It's converting a derelict building that was falling into disrepair and bringing something new to the area.

"There's a demand and it will be well controlled. They're not going to let kids in and they have been speaking to local councillors about their proposals.

"I've read some of the comments about it attracting drug use, encouraging children to start vaping and lending itself to anti-social behaviour in the area, everyone has their own opinion but shisha bars are becoming more popular and I have never seen reports confirming any of these concerns.

"There are a number approved in Edinburgh and other cities but there's no reason they should just be in big cities."