A VACANT Aberdour pub will be given new life after plans to refurbish the outside of the building were approved.

The Cedar Inn, on Shore Road, has been closed for several years with owners Star Pubs and Bars, part of HEINEKEN UK, advertising the site for let.

Alterations will include the installation of windows and doors and the formation of an access ramp and pergola, with the existing conservatory removed.

In a Report of Handling, Fife Council case officer David Shankland wrote that the two-storey building "evidently has weathered since it was last in use" but "encouragingly, temporary signage has been installed on the public house which identifies the premises is to be refurbished".

He added that this will "will undoubtedly add to the vitality and viability" of the surrounding shopping area.

The building includes a single storey lean-to conservatory which fronts Shore Road and a former beer garden, enclosed by a weathered stone wall.

It is proposed that three new timber framed doors on the front of the property will be formed, two of which would involve the removal of two window openings.

The existing conservatory is to be removed and the creation of a timber pergola would align with the adjacent vestibule.

On the south side two full height timber framed windows will be installed to allow more light into the bar.

To the rear of the pub two new doors will allow access from the car park and cellar respectively.

Mr Shankland said the changes would "undoubtedly enhance the character and appearance of the existing building which itself has externally weathered and deteriorated to the detriment of the historic streetscape since it was last in use."

He continued: "The proposed development has been designed to reflect the internal refurbishment of the existing public house which would allow access to everyone and the formation of full glazed windows also providing more natural light into the main bar.

"A strong street frontage is also retained, and the removal of the existing weather UPVC conservatory would also undoubtedly have a positive impact on the appearance of the existing building in conjunction with the works proposed."

The Cedar Inn was previously owned by Punch Taverns before being sold on to brewing giant Heineken in August 2017.

It was subject to closure several times in the last decade and has been listed by Star Pubs and Bars with an annual rent of £48,132.

The company, which leases around 2,400 pubs across the UK, estimates that minimum ingoing costs would total £175,533.

Investment into the premises includes a complete redecoration and refurbishment to the indoor trading spaces.

New carpets, upholstery, fixtures and fittings are all to be installed and the entrance of the pub will be moved to create a larger and more inclusive trading space.

The kitchen will also be overhauled to deliver a full menu.

It is hoped that once work is complete, and a tenant found, the pub will offer an extensive range of drinks, brunch to dinner food options, live weekend music, a weekly pub quiz and occasional live sport.

Anyone interested in the opportunity can find out more on the Star Pubs and Bars website.