THE owner of Khushi’s is looking to re-open the restaurant after a devastating fire ripped through the building earlier this year. 

It's almost six months since the blaze on April 21 above the popular Canmore Street eatery caused “severe damage” and the business has been closed ever since.

Now Riaz Mohammed has started the rebuilding process by submitting a planning application to Fife Council for repairs and alterations - but if approved the restaurant will be much smaller than before.

Khushi's opened on Canmore Street in 2008 and the "long road to recovery" includes turning more of the property into residential use.

Before the fire, the four-storey, category C listed building was broken into multiple uses.

The basement was used for restaurant storage, the ground and first floors were used for the restaurant itself, and the second and third floors were residential. 

Dunfermline Press: There was severe damage to Khushi's restaurant in Dunfermline after fire ripped through the building on April 21. There was severe damage to Khushi's restaurant in Dunfermline after fire ripped through the building on April 21. (Image: Riaz Mohammed)

However, the new plans will see the residential areas expanded and the restaurant area reduced. 

“Planning permission is sought for a change of use for the first floor and part of the ground floor to allow the construction of residential flats, with the remainder of the ground floor being developed as a smaller restaurant to replace the existing one damaged by fire,” a planning statement said. 

The building is in need of significant repairs as the third floor flat was totally gutted and has been removed and scaffolding is still in place to help stabilise the chimney wall.

Back in June Mr Mohammed revealed that the roof and supporting beams were destroyed in the fire and added: “The second floor of the restaurant has heavy damage from both the blaze and the water used to put it out.

Dunfermline Press: Firefighters rushed to the city centre to tackle the blaze above Khushi's restaurant in Dunfermline. Firefighters rushed to the city centre to tackle the blaze above Khushi's restaurant in Dunfermline. (Image: Steve Ritchie)

"The ground floor, although spared the fire, has suffered extensive water damage and sadly there is very little that is salvageable. 

“There’s no question, this will be a long road to recovery but every journey starts with the first steps and to know we are recovering with your support makes all the difference.

"We remain positive and thankful as we start down the road ahead.”