THE decision on whether to grant permission for a new pharmacy in Saline is to be looked at again.

The long-running saga has been ongoing since 2019 when plans were revealed to create the facility in two rooms of the village's community centre.

Lisa Duncan's first application was rejected by the NHS Fife Pharmacy Practices Committee (PPC) but she appealed and a second hearing in June ruled that she could open a dispensary in the under-used community centre.

However celebrations were cut short after Dears, who have the nearest pharmacy in Oakley, appealed against the decision.

READ MORE: Dears submit appeal against community pharmacy

An appeal has now been heard which deemed that the application should go back to NHS Fife's Pharmacy Practices Committee.

Ms Duncan explained: "The Chairman of the appeal panel has upheld one of the grounds of appeal relating to whether there has been a failure by the board to properly narrate the facts or reasons upon which their determination of the application was based and has referred the application back to the board."

This means that the appeal will now be referred back to the PPC for them to clarify how their decision was reached.

While the latest development means another wait, Ms Duncan is hopeful that good news could follow.

READ MORE: Appeal awaited for new pharmacy in Saline Community Centre

"Although this is obviously disappointing as it means a further delay I am confident that the PPC will be able to quickly explain the reasoning behind their decision to approve the application and that their original decision will be upheld," she said.

"I am still very optimistic that Saline and Steelend will soon have the pharmacy we are all hoping for."

As well as the two rooms for the pharmacy, plans also include shared access to adjacent areas to allow the creation of a waiting/display area, and access to disabled toilet and kitchen facilities.

Ms Duncan said it would be "self-contained" which would allow it to be isolated from the rest of the community centre when closed without impacting on public access.

The community council has previously backed the idea and said it would act as a "catalyst" to establishing a health and wellbeing hub, opening a community cafe and encouraging more groups, services and organisations to use the premises.