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Plans to redevelop fire-ravaged Cowdenbeath hotel given go ahead

The dilapidated Crown Hotel in Cowdenbeath. Image: DC Thomson.
The dilapidated Crown Hotel in Cowdenbeath. Image: DC Thomson.

A former hotel in Cowdenbeath which has lain derelict since a fire 13 years ago will be transformed into flats.

The landmark Crown Hotel, at the foot of the High Street, was ravaged by the blaze in 2009, leaving it with no roof and little interior.

Now, an application submitted by Dunfermline-based developer, Rudi Tanner, to create five flats on the upper floors as well as two shops on the ground level has ben given the green light.

The Crown Hotel has lain empty since it was damaged by fire in 2009. Image: Neil Henderson/ DC Thomson.

A design statement submitted as part of the application said the fire had caused “serious structural damage”, resulting in the roof and upper floors being removed.

It added: “Since this point in time the building has lain open to the elements and has deteriorated further.”

The developer said plans would rehabilitate the remaining dilapidated structures breathing new life into the landmark building.

“It will regenerate this end of the High Street, which has seen major improvements in recent years with the introduction of the new retail park and housing association flats.

Scaffolding covers the landmark Crown Hotel in Hotel in Cowdenbeath. Image: Neil Henderson/ DC Thomson.

The former hotel has stood in a dilapidated state for the past 13 years despite a series of previous attempts to revive the historic property, built in 1868.

Previous efforts to revive the Crown Hotel, Cowdenbeath

A proposal to demolish the building and replace it with 12 flats was later withdrawn, while in 2013 councillors rejected a bid to turn the site into a car wash.

The rear of the Crown Hotel, Cowdenbeath. Image: Neil Henderson DC Thomson.

In 2017 councillors considered taking control of the site with a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) however no action was taken.

Planning approval was given for a restaurant and retail units in 2018.

The Crown Hotel is situated just yards from the disused shop unit opposite which suffered extensive damage in a fire in October 2022.

Police are continuing to investigate after it was discovered the property had been used to house a £1m cannabis plantation.

These latest plans have now been given the approval by Fife Council.

Work is expected to begin on the refurbishment later this year.

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