WORK has now started on a new development of 69 homes at a former Fife Council depot in Dunfermline. 

Allanwater Homes, based in Bridge of Allan, are now on the Carnock Road site to turn what was a "grim and unfriendly" plot of land into an attractive estate. 

Fife Council granted planning permission in January for two- to five-bedroom homes and a block of four cottage-style flats to be built at their old Milesmark depot.

Dunfermline Press: The site on Carnock Road was described previously as derelict and contaminated. The site on Carnock Road was described previously as derelict and contaminated. (Image: Richard Webb)

The firm's planning statement said it would be an attractive development: "Historically, this site has presented an unappealing and unkept frontage, and the new treatment along the edge will be of key importance.

"The existing site entrance is grim and unfriendly, and the opportunity to create a welcome arrival space will be taken.

"As the sites immediately to the east and west, both previously commercial, are currently being developed for new homes, the opportunity exists to form a coherent residential street frontage for the first time."

Over 100 years ago, the land was a quarry with railway lines running through it. The quarry was filled in by the early 1900s and later became a depot. The rail tracks were removed by 1986.

In February 2016, the council decided to sell the site, and three other depots in Dunfermline, and bring together four services under one roof at a new £8 million ‘super depot’ at Halbeath.

The ugly old depot will now be transformed with 69 homes sitting among ‘green courtyards’ of open space, with trees and landscaping. 

The “positive frontage” onto Carnock Road will have railings, evergreen hedges and feature walls, with public art making reference to Dunfermline’s heritage.

A shared cycle/pedestrian route will link to the Dunfermline to Alloa cycleway, which runs along the southern boundary of the site.

Allanwater had first outlined plans for the 2.78 hectares in 2016 but a number of issues were raised by the community. A planning application submitted in 2020 was later withdrawn.

There was fresh consultation with local residents and new plans were tabled and approved.