THEY'RE not taking no for an answer as a developer has revised plans for a £3 million Home Bargains store in Dunfermline.
TJ Morris Ltd have already had two knockbacks, from Fife Council and the Scottish Government, but have come back with new proposals for "long term vacant" land at Dunlin Drive.
As well as a new Home Bargains store, the project includes four smaller retail units and would create 50 full-time jobs, with a further 30 during construction and in the supply chain.
And they'll be in the city next week at a public consultation event to talk about the plans and answer questions.
A spokesperson from T.J. Morris said: “We are delighted to be bringing forward plans for a new store, and four retail units, in Dunfermline.
"If approved, this would mark our second store in Dunfermline, underpinning our commitment to investing in Dunfermline and the wider Fife area.
“We are pleased to present revised proposals to the community.
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"These new plans will generate significant inward investment into Dunfermline, including the creation of 50 jobs, and increase retail options in an area of little retail investment.
“We would encourage all those with an interest in our proposals to come along to our upcoming consultation event, gain insights into our plans, and most importantly, share your feedback.”
There is a Home Bargains store at Carnegie Retail park in Dunfermline but plans to add another, as part of an overall £10m investment in the site, fell foul of the council in September 2022.
The west and central planning committee refused the application, which also included an outdoor garden centre, on the grounds it would have a detrimental impact on existing and future city centre trade.
The plans had attracted 173 objections and 30 comments of support.
An appeal to the Scottish Government failed in June last year.
Mary Stewart, from the council's planning service, had told the planning committee that made the decision that permission for retail use had been given for the site previously, however, this was for a different purpose.
She had explained: "The previous permission provided for local community-based facilities which did include a number of small retail units really designed to serve the locality in the sense of a local neighbourhood centre."
TJ Morris said this week that the new proposals "have evolved through constructive discussions" with the council and represent a revised version of the plans first submitted three years ago.
The proposed development encompasses a 1,951 square metres retail unit, four smaller neighbourhood retail units, totalling 418 sqm, 91 car parking spaces - including wheelchair parking and electric vehicle charging spaces - 12 cycle spaces and a new pedestrian pathway at Dunlin Drive.
If approved, the company hope that building work will start this summer with an estimated completion date of late 2025.
The public consultation event is on Wednesday February 21 between 3pm and 7pm at the Carnegie Conference Centre on Halbeath Road.
From that date, the proposals will also be available to view on the website https://homebargainsdunfermline.consultationonline.co.uk.
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