A THEATRE school based in Lochgelly has applied to change the use of an empty charity shop into a rehearsal space.

Nardone's Academy of Performing Arts is already running classes at 85 Main Street and have asked Fife Council to make it official with the necessary paperwork.

The not-for-profit school, run by Liam Nardone, has been given a town centre improvement grant to pay for new vinyl flooring and a standard lighting system but want all the relevant permissions in place before it proceeds.

He explained: "85 Main Street will be used twice a week for a maximum of two hours to rehearse for a show that will be performed at Lochgelly Centre.

"There is one full time member of staff and a handful of volunteers that assist behind the scenes so that the production can run smoothly.

"There will be no visitors, due to Covid-19, allowed in the property and when this restriction is lifted there will only be a drop-off and pick-up service for the kids and young people from parents and guardians.

"The classes will be mostly singing and acting with dance and will run between 6 and 8pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays."

The property is owned by Ore Valley Housing Association and was previously used as a charity shop.

No external alterations are proposed and parking is available at the front of the property, on Main Street, and at a small car park across the road.

Mr Nardone said he had previously been assured, verbally and in writing, by Fife Council officers that a change of use application was not required.

However, this turned out not to be the case and permission has now been sought, with a previous application for a certificate of lawfulness for the property now withdrawn.

The small performing arts group has managed to keep going and auditions began earlier this year for its next musical, Oliver.