THERE'S a fresh bid to open a cafe and hot food takeaway in Lochgelly.

After previously getting a knockback from Fife Council, Mohammad Khan has returned with another application for 142-146 Main Street.

It was the town's TSB branch, until it closed in February 2018, and was last used as a shop with Wax Melts Fife opening in the summer of 2019.

Mr Khan, who bought the building at auction, is seeking consent for a change of use from bank to cafe and hot food takeaway.

A planning statement on his behalf explained: "The businesses shall be located on the ground floor underneath residential flats.

The old TSB branch in Lochgelly closed in 2018. The old TSB branch in Lochgelly closed in 2018. (Image: Newsquest) READ MORE: Trial scheme to ban cars outside Fife school 'has not been successful'

"Surrounding the businesses are a mixture of retail premises and residential flats.

"The premises operated previously as a branch of the TSB bank for a number of years; the branch was closed during 2018.

"After this time, the premises was used as a retail store making candles and wax melts with customers entering the premises to purchase items.

"It is proposed that the unit shall include a small seating area with a hot food takeaway and shall sell a selection of foods such as burgers, kebabs, pizzas, chicken, chips and drinks.

"The business shall be medium-sized, and the proposed opening hours are Monday to Sunday between 11am to 10pm."

The plans include the installation of a flue and extraction fan as well as mitigation measures to tackle noise and odours.

Back in 2019 Mr Khan's planning application for the premises was refused by the council.

He submitted an appeal to the local authority's planning review body but this too was unsuccessful.

Council officers were concerned about odour and noise pollution to the residents living above the premises.

At the time Mr Khan said "great consideration" had been given to the neighbours and explained: "This application was also intended to make use of the empty unit, to attract business, liven up and make the area a little vibrant, bring economic benefits and jobs to the area and prevent there being a case of buildings lying there empty, being wasted and becoming derelict."

However, Cllr Mino Manekshaw said: “If it’s acceptable in terms of location, then what we need to consider is would the introduction of this cause the quality of living for residents to be lessened? I think it would."