Dunfermline is in the frame to get a new cinema after planners gave the green light to the project.
The Dunfermline Community Cinema project is to move into the Alhambra Theatre’s Ironmongers Studio.
Councillors approved the application for a change of use for the former retail unit in New Row, opposite the Alhambra, to that of a performing arts stage school and cinema, with also scope for a cafe and bar.
A raft of minor design changes to a previous planning consent were proposed to the former ironmongers yard which, while unlisted, sits within the conservation area and has been on the building at risk register for years.
The approval, which now gives the project's backers the go ahead to start renovation in earnest, over two phases.
Six letters of objection, including one from the Dunfermline Community Council, which did not request to be a statutory consultee, were lodged against the change of use plans while the application also attracted five letters of support.
Concerns, including late night noise, the adverse impact on surrounding businesses, and inadequate public safety were not upheld and planning officers approved the proposal on the basis, subject to conditions, it is acceptable in meeting the terms of the Development Plan and National Guidance.
The partnership between the Dunfermline Cinema Project and Alhambra Theatre Trust is designed to breathe new life into the dilapidated building and was warmly welcomed by Dunfermline councillor Helen Law.
She said: "Given what the town has gone through during the coronavirus this is a great prospect for the town and particularly for its young people.
"Not only does it bring a building that was at risk back into use this project will in turn protect that building which is within the conservation boundary for the foreseeable future and that is very important."