THE former Fife Day Care Services base in Lochgelly is set to become five flatted dwellings.

The large building, in Grainger Street, formerly was used for childcare services but Mr Rehman Akbar asked Fife Council for consent to change the use of the building from childcare service and offices (Class 2) to form five flatted dwellings with associated parking at 82 Grainger Street.

It has been a building which has always dominated this central Lochgelly street and has provided care for people of all age groups but it is now set to become flats. It was at one time the Fife Day Care Services base before later becoming a childcare facility.

A key element for such a size of development is parking. A report on behalf of the planning department said: "Prior to the first flat being occupied there shall have been provided within the curtilage of the site 10 communal parking spaces for vehicles in accordance with current Fife Council Transportation Development Guidelines.

"The parking spaces shall be retained for the lifetime of the development in the interests of road safety and to ensure the provision of adequate off-street parking facilities." There is a substantial tarred area in front of the building.

The plan was given the green light with the report stating: "The development is acceptable in terms of the provisions of policy and guidance in relation to the principle of development, residential amenity, garden ground and transportation infrastructure".