Refurbishment of a historic building in the East Neuk has been given the go-ahead by a Scottish Government reporter.
The Dreel Halls are to undergo internal alteration and extension which the owner said would increase their potential significantly and secure their future as the only community-owned space in wester Anstruther.
Councillors had refused planning consent, fearing that the character of the former church could be destroyed.
However, reporter Richard Dent disagreed and gave the go-ahead for Anstruther Improvement Association’s refurbishment to follow the completion of a £700,000 exterior renovation last year.
David Seel, of Arc Architects, said: “We are very happy that this exciting proposal, developed closely with the AIA, can now move on to the next stage of development, to secure a sustainable future for this much loved and well-used historic building.
“We are now looking forward to working up the detail of the design together, so Dreel Halls becomes a thriving place, shaped and run by the users and the local community.
“We will be looking for opportunities to involve people in designing the new spaces in the near future, once the final funding has been put in place.”
AIA president Christine Palmer said the appeal’s success was great news and would allow the organisation’s volunteer committee to focus on finding funding.
She said: “Use of the halls is growing steadily, with a range of community groups, from the quilters and the tabletop games group to the recent guerrilla film school, providing educational activities for young people.
“We are also increasing the level of commercial use, with Fence Records staging regular music festivals and a recent week-long conference run by technology company Mozilla, attracting visitors to the East Neuk who contribute to the local economy.”
Work will include construction of an extension for a disabled toilet and lift to give full access to the upper hall for the first time.
Mr Dent said it would at least preserve Anstruther conservation area and in some respects provide enhancement.
AIA took over the management and ownership of the halls, formerly the Anstruther Wester Town Hall, Hew Scott Hall and St Nicholas Tower, from Fife Council and the Church of Scotland last year.
Exterior renovations were carried out by Fife Historic Buildings Trust.