SUPERMARKET chain Lidl have confirmed that they are planning to create a new store on the site of a former hotel in Dunfermline and have launched a community consultation.

Last week, the Press reported that leaflets had been posted to those living in the Pitcorthie area over proposals to redevelop the old King Malcolm Hotel, which closed in 2020.

If approved, the "eyesore" building, which is now derelict, would be flattened and replaced with a new store operated by the German discounter, complete with an in-store bakery and 91 parking spaces.

They are now holding a consultation period with local residents, who can attend an event today (Thursday) to hear about their proposal.

READ MORE: Lidl outline plans to open a new supermarket in Dunfermline

A spokesperson for Lidl said: "We have launched a consultation with the local community to gather feedback on our proposed Lidl store on Laburnum Road, the former site of the King Malcolm Hotel.

"We encourage residents to attend our consultation event on August 15 from 3-7pm at the John Marshall Community Centre, Dunfermline.

"This event will offer those living in the area an opportunity to review our plans, ask questions, and share their thoughts."

In the newsletter sent to local residents, the firm noted: "Lidl Scotland are delighted to be bringing forward an application to develop a new discount foodstore in the Pitcorthie area of Dunfermline, located at the former King Malcolm Hotel on Laburnum Road.

"The proposals include the erection of a new foodstore and associated access, landscaping and parking.

"Lidl have been seeking opportunities to open a store in Dunfermline for many years with the nearest existing store being in Cowdenbeath and plans to bring forward a store at Admiralty Road, Rosyth."

In May, the retailer said that they were looking to open new stores in Dunfermline North and Dunfermline South.

If plans for the King Malcolm Hotel site go ahead, Lidl's new supermarket will be just under 2,000 square metres in size, will have a bakery and customer toilets, and its car parking will include disabled bays, parent and child spaces, charging points for electric vehicles, and provision for cyclists.

Pedestrian access would be from Queensferry Road and Laburnum Road, with the proposed opening hours being from 8am to 10pm Monday to Sunday.

Local councillor, Cara Hilton, said: "It would be good to see some signs of progress with the site as the King Malcolm has lain derelict for a while now and residents have been keen to see the site cleared and brought back into use.

"It's been an eyesore in the community, there have been reports of anti-social behaviour and I know the community council were struggling to get in touch with the owners to get the building maintained.

"It would be good for consumers too, and give them more choice.

"There's been talk about a Lidl and M&S at Halbeath for quite a while and we haven't seen any progress on either.

"The location at Queensferry Road is probably much better as Halbeath is quite saturated for supermarkets and shops."

The Press have asked Lidl if they are still keen to be part of proposals for Halbeath Retail Park.

In 2017, planning permission for a nine-store extension, including a new supermarket for them, and an M&S Foodhall, among others, was granted, but not a brick has been laid.

Lidl may also benefit from future transportation improvements as the Western Distributor Road, a new bypass to serve housing estates to the west of the city, is set to connect to the King Malcolm roundabout and bring more potential customers by their store.

Cllr Hilton said: "There is that, plus there will be work at the roundabout and the Gateway to Dunfermline, the South Dunfermline Community Council are taking forward those plans, which will make it look more attractive."

Last month, in a surprise move, Lidl announced that they had bought the Admiralty Road site in Rosyth, after stating in December that they would "not be progressing" with proposals to build there, after planning permission was granted in April 2018.