YOU can bet that Coral are on the move after Fife Council approved plans which will see the firm relocate to Dunfermline High Street.

They're currently in Queen Anne Street but believe that the move to better and more modern facilities – directly opposite the rival Betfred shop – will prove a firm favourite with the punters.

Plans to change the use of 85A High Street, from vacant shop to betting office, were tabled in July and have now been agreed, with the high number of empty properties in the city centre perhaps playing a part in the decision.

A council report explained: "Whilst the loss of a class 1A (shops, and financial, professional and other services) space is not desirable, the agent has advised that the proposed change of use is sought to allow the applicant to relocate premises, from another unit located within the core retail area of Dunfermline.

Dunfermline Press: The Coral betting shop on Queen Anne Street in Dunfermline will close with the firm moving to an empty unit on High Street. The Coral betting shop on Queen Anne Street in Dunfermline will close with the firm moving to an empty unit on High Street. (Image: Google Maps)

"In addition, there is a considerable risk of this unit remaining vacant for a great length of time, adding to the 22 per cent of units already laying vacant within the nearby town centre, all of which are class 1A.

"In light of the above, it is considered that the proposed development would not result in a significant detrimental impact on the vitality and viability of the core retail area or town centre as a whole."

The unit at 85A High Street has been empty since January 2022.

It was previously part of a much larger store, the former Poundworld, but after it closed the premises was sub-divided with Dears Pharmacy moving into the neighbouring unit.

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Elias Topping, planning agent for Coral, said: "Whilst the proposed use doesn’t fall within those uses which are listed as being acceptable in the city centre, we suggest the high number of vacant units within the retail core, when considered alongside the high percentage of uses which will remain in class 1A should consent be granted, shows that the health of the city centre will not be harmed if the proposal is allowed."

The operating hours, 8am to 10pm, Monday to Sunday, will be the same as the current Coral betting shop.

It's not yet known what will happen with the Queen Anne Street premises. 

The agent had previously explained that the relocation to the High Street would bring Coral "closer to the retail core" and "better able to provide the standard of facilities and fit out demanded by today’s customers and employees".