Tesco wants to demolish a derelict building in Dunfermline that was recently ravaged by fire.
Fife Council disclosed that it has been in talks with Tesco over its proposals following the blaze, which took place at the former site of Thomsons World of Furniture in Bruce Street on Sunday, August 8.
The fire was discovered at 8pm and raged through the building for around six hours, with eight Fife Fire and Rescue Service appliances in attendance. Such was the intensity of the fire that 50 firefighters were involved in bringing it under control. Most of the roof has been destroyed.
In 2008 the council granted approval, subject to conditions, for Tesco to build a 60,000 square foot supermarket and petrol station at the site, which the company has said could provide around 500 jobs. It has met with a traders’ group and the business body Dunfermline Delivers.
On Wednesday the council’s team leader for development services Mary Stewart told members of the Dunfermline area committee that talks had taken place between the council and Tesco with a view to demolishing the building.
She said, “Members will be aware of the fire that took place at the former Thomsons World of Furniture building and I trust they will also be aware that Tesco have submitted a planning application and part of that site is included in this proposal.
“The application has been considered by committee on May 26, 2008 and then on January 6 this year. Negotiations have taken place between the council and Tesco, who are very keen to demolish the building.”
Ms Stewart told councillors that there were two conditions of the Tesco plan which were to be fulfilled before work could start on the site. These were that before development there should be a detailed plan on areas of interest of historic merit and that access should be given to council officers to retain any items worthy of salvage.
Another condition was that all the slates should be removed by hand for reuse. Ms Stewart said this latter condition was now “completely impractical.”
“An archaeologist from Tesco has been in touch with a council archaeologist, whereby archaeological items will be kept for retention,” she said. “I am asking for a review of these conditions to allow demolition to proceed.”
Councillor Mike Rumney said, “It’s vital that demolition takes place as quickly as possible.”
The committee agreed that an archaeological report should be submitted before work takes place at the site and also that the condition of removing the slates should be removed.
Three teenagers have since been charged with wilful fireraising at the building and are due to appear at Dunfermline Sheriff Court next month.