THERE are plans to knock down a listed building in the heart of Dunfermline and replace it with blocks of up to five storeys and containing 42 apartments.

Byzantian Developments Ltd want to demolish the old Fife Council local office on Walmer Drive, which has been empty for 11 years and has suffered "serious vandalism".

They've argued the original 19th century villa has been altered and damaged so much that it's not worth saving and should be levelled.

The company has applied to the council for listed building consent to demolish it and explained: "The site has lain empty for a number of years with the existing buildings now in a state of disrepair.

"This includes a C-listed former urban villa, dating from the 19th century, which has been compromised over the years by a series of extensive additions and alterations that have affected the structural integrity of the historic fabric.

"The property has also suffered from serious vandalism over several years of non-occupation, including fire damage and subsequent water ingress, rendering it structurally unsound and unfit for conversion.

"This application therefore brings forward proposals for the comprehensive redevelopment of the derelict existing site to form new town centre homes in the heart of the Auld Grey Toun, bringing people and activity and life back to the heart of the community."

Walmer Drive has a steep slope so the proposed blocks are split-level.

The plans include undercroft parking, one- and two-bed apartments over six levels, off-street parking, secure cycle storage, tiered courtyards and roof terraces.

Byzantian have already made their mark in Dunfermline, buying and converting the 'eyesore' Pilmuir Works into stylish apartments and retail space named the Linen Quarter.

They're now planning to bring another derelict and long-vacant building back into use and said the site "offers an opportunity for an outstanding landmark building of a high-quality contemporary design that takes advantage of the sloping site and panoramic views south".

Accessed off East Port, the building is in the town's conservation area and the site also contains a Scottish Power substation which will be retained.

It's understood missives for the sale were concluded in April last year but the deal is conditional on a change of use being approved.

A previous £3.3 million plan to redevelop the site was refused by the council in October 2020.

Two Knights Developments, based in Dalgety Bay, wanted to convert the old offices into nine homes and build a new five-storey block with a further 18 homes next to it.

However, planners said it would represent a “form of over-development” and would dominate the existing building visually and the surrounding area.

The original property is an early 19th-century, two-stone villa. A three-storey ‘wrap around’ extension was added in the 1960s when it was converted into offices with an enclosed car sales garage.

Walmer Drive has been vacant since 2011, when the council deemed it surplus to requirements, and with little or no interest from buyers, it was boarded up.