Plans for a £6 million Home Bargains in Dunfermline have been approved.
The decision comes despite concerns the development could impact the future of the town centre.
Councillors granted permission for the Dunlin Drive store by eight votes to six after hearing four smaller commercial units on the site would benefit locals.
Initial Dunfermline Home Bargains proposals were rejected in 2022.
And the Scottish Government upheld that decision following an appeal.
However, Fife Council planners considered the reasons for refusal had been addressed in the new application.
Several changes were made, including a reduction in the building’s height and footprint.
Home Bargains owner TJ Morris is delighted with the outcome and says the development will bring 50 jobs.
They plan to reveal timescales for construction and opening soon.
‘Benefits outweigh conflicts with policy’
The application received 47 letters of objection, including from the local community council.
Fife Council’s Town Centre Development Unit was also not supportive.
Concerns hinged on the impact the development would have on people living nearby.
However, there were also 152 letters of support, with many expressing hopes for investment and jobs.
Planning officers described the new proposal as a significant improvement on the original.
“The unit has significantly reduced in size, the layout has been enhanced and there is a reduction in the overall floor space across the site,” they said.
“It fits better within the context of that local area.”
They said the area had few smaller shops within a 20-minute walk.
And they added: “On balance, the benefits of the scheme outweigh the conflicts with policy.”
Dunfermline Home Bargains ‘will make positive impact’
The new store will be in the Duloch area of Dunfermline, close to the city’s new learning campus.
A TJ Morris spokesperson said: “We are confident our approved proposals will make a positive impact through the creation of over 50 local jobs and a significant investment of £6million into the local area.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who engaged with and supported our proposals.
“And we look forward to revealing further timescales on the opening of the store in due course.”
Conversation