KINGDOM Housing Association have applied for planning permission to build 47 new homes on the site of the former Fabtek Engineering site in Lochgelly. 

The proposals for the derelict gap site, on land to the south of Hall Street, also includes two shops and 60 car parking spaces, as well as a new access road and footpaths. 

A planning statement said: “The development aims to infill the currently vacant gap site, repairing the urban fabric, and enhancing the character of Lochgelly town centre, while providing sufficient number of socially rented homes to make development financially viable.”

Central Fife Times: This is what the new development in Lochgelly could look like.This is what the new development in Lochgelly could look like. (Image: Fife Council planning papers.)

Kingdom were in discussions to buy the plot in 2021 and as landowners they have submitted the application on behalf of Ore Valley Housing Association. 

If approved the homes, six houses and 41 flats, will be built by Campion Homes.  

The plot in the centre of Lochgelly is 2.4 acres in size and "much in need of redevelopment” according to the applicant.

The site, which borders Moore Park to the east and High Street to the west, has since been cleared of all structures with some stockpiles of crushed demolition material remaining, although it does contain mine shafts.

The proposals include blocks of two and three storey housing units along Hall Street and High Street with plans to create an in-road adjacent to Hall Street for access to the development.

Central Fife Times: This could be the view along High Street, towards the Townhouse, in Lochgelly if social housing plans are approved.This could be the view along High Street, towards the Townhouse, in Lochgelly if social housing plans are approved. (Image: Fife Council planning papers.)

There will be a mix of housing types – from flats to cottage flats and terraced houses – all ranging from one to three bedrooms. 

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If approved, the plans will incorporate some of the rigorous energy efficient design principles of Passivhaus standards and allow for the use of additional low carbon technology.

Kingdom said that the social housing development would “aid the regeneration of Lochgelly as a sustainable community”. 

Central Fife Times: And this is what the site currently looks like. And this is what the site currently looks like. (Image: Google Maps)

And they added there was already “considerable” community support for the development of the site.

The opinions were gathered from a well attended public consultation event in July.

Consultation will continue as the planning process moves forward.