Have your say on retirement flats bid for Craw’s Nest

Time has been called on a popular East Neuk hotel, with plans to transform it into retirement flats.

Anstruther’s Craw’s Nest Hotel closed last autumn for the winter season but owner Symphony Hotels and Leisure has decided against reopening it. The venue previously owned by the parents of Radio 1 DJ Edith Bowman has been on the market since 2013 but no buyer has been found.

A proposal by specialist housing developer McCarthy & Stone is being considered. It involves a £5 million conversion of the Bankwell Road premises into 38 apartments.

Residents are invited to view and comment on plans at an exhibition on Friday.

The managing director of McCarthy & Stone in Scotland, Steve Wiseman, said: “We’re keen to hear from local people and get feedback on our proposal before we submit a planning application.

“The proposal has been designed to complement the surrounding area and will add to the mix of housing options for older people locally.”

One and two-bedroom flats would be sold to people over the age of 60 and the complex would include a residents’ lounge, guest accommodation and landscaped gardens.

The exhibition, in the Lower Dreel Hall, will run from 1pm to 7pm.