PLANS to open a new pet store in Dunfermline city centre have been approved. 

Jollyes Pets, the second largest pet retailer in the UK, applied for consent back in May to change the use of a unit at Carnegie Retail Park. 

And now Fife Council have given them the green light. 

The application that was submitted on behalf of retail park owners, Zurich Assurance Ltd, said: "The proposed development will bring investment and regenerative benefits to Dunfermline and will also create around seven jobs."

Currently, Jollyes has more than 100 stores across the country and with planning approval in, they are free to commence work on unit five of the retail park, which was occupied by Pagazzi Lighting until their lease expired in October last year.

The application added: "Carnegie Drive Retail Park is an edge of centre site found adjacent to Dunfermline city centre.

"It is also identified as a development opportunity site where the preferred uses are retail, leisure or food and drink.

"Jollyes Pets has a requirement for a store in Dunfermline.

"Unit five at Carnegie Drive Retail Park satisfies their requirements for a store in Dunfermline and also meets their floorspace criteria."

The retailer sells animals, mammals, birds, fish and reptiles, as well as associated supplies, products and food, and often includes a coffee bar, pet grooming parlour or veterinary clinic on their premises.

A council report said the proposal was "considered to be acceptable" and compatible with the area in terms of land use, design and scale.