THE creation of a new allotment site in Inverkeithing, which has been delayed for three years, could see progress following the renewal of planning permission.

Fife Council had originally proposed the change of use of land to west of Spittalfield Road in 2019 and it was given the go-ahead then, with work required to begin within a three-year period.

Due to hold-ups caused by the pandemic and rising costs, and despite a demand for allotments in the area, the development never took place.

The authority re-applied in November and officers now hope that a new tender process will be launched in the spring.

The area, previously considered protected open space, would include 37 10mx5m plots, two shipping containers, and a parking area.

Community and school plots will also be included and fences and gates will be installed with secure access.

Peter Duncan, Fife Council's allotments officer, says that previously submitted tenders had not offered "value for money".

He said: "We know there's demand for allotments in the area and we're keen to provide them for local people.

"Our original plan was to have the allotments ready much sooner, but this was delayed because of the pandemic.

"More recently, we've also seen fewer contractors willing to tender for the works and because of rising costs, tenders are not offering value for money.

"We're planning to put the work back out to tender in the spring."