A DUNFERMLINE councillor has called for immediate consultation with local businesses as plans for the £800,000 city square progress.

Cllr Aude-Boubaker Calder said retailers and other businesses should be involved in the process as the redevelopment of the High Street gap site could affect their operations.

Speaking at the City of Dunfermline area committee meeting, she asked: "What is being done about discussions with local businesses about how the city square is going to impact their businesses? Their day to day activities?

"That has to be done now, before the planning application is started."

READ MORE: Dunfermline High Street gap will be building site for 18 months

Work on the creation of the new £800,000 city square on the grassy area between High Street and the bus station is set to start in the late Spring or early summer.

The development is set to take around 18 months during which the area will be a building site.

Fife Council's Peter Corbett said there were plans to consult with businesses before work gets underway.

"We are still working on trying to get a planning application with colleagues," he said. "Once that is done, we can start the more active discussions with local businesses."

Pushed by Cllr Boubaker-Calder that talks should take place sooner, he added: "We will check in with our town centre team and see what can be done."

It is hoped that the new city square will host farmers' markets, performances, events and exhibitions.

Plans approved in December 2021 show a grassed terrace area, more planting and seating, a community orchard, a gateway feature and a community hub with public toilets and an information point.