A derelict house in Leslie which has lain empty for more than 20 years could be bought by Fife Council, The Courier has learned.
The two-storey house at 222 High Street, in the heart of the town’s conservation area, is to be the subject of a public inquiry next month to decide whether the local authority can be granted a compulsory purchase order (CPO). This would mean the council could buy the property without the owner’s permission.
Councillors originally agreed to apply for the CPO in 2006 and the fact the Scottish Government has finally agreed to hold an inquiry has been hailed as a major step towards removing a blight from the High Street.
If the hearing goes the local authority’s way, the house could be used as council housing.
Councillor Fiona Grant said: ”It’s been empty since 1992 when I was first elected. I welcome the progress towards getting the property back to being used while there are so many people on the council waiting list.
”The future of it is being discussed within the council as to whether or not it would be suitable to turn it into council housing or whether we sell it.”
The inquiry will be held on February 9 at a venue to be decided.
It is understood it could be several months before the Government makes a decision and legal procedures are completed.