Persimmon Homes is finally poised to start the restoration of a derelict Fife farmhouse – four years after action was first pledged.
Wormit residents feared the former Wormit Farmhouse would deteriorate beyond repair unless work started soon.
The housebuilder was ordered to complete the renovation as a condition of planning permission for a neighbouring development in 2019.
However, while the 42 new homes off Kilmany Road were completed two years ago, work on Wormit House has failed to start.
The listed building dates back to the 1780s.
And it has been empty since the last occupants left more than 20 years ago.
There is now no roof and the walls are starting to decay.
Neighbours in Wormit called for Persimmon Homes to act a year and a half ago.
And the company has now revealed its intention to get started in March.
Wormit Farmhouse is in a ‘sorry state’
Liberal Democrat councillor Jonny Tepp had previously pressed for urgent action, describing Wormit Farmhouse as “neglected and in a sorry state”.
He gave news of a start date a cautious welcome.
He said: “I’ve no reason not to believe them.
“I know they haven’t delivered up to now but they always have their reasons.
“Whether you believe those reasons is up to you.”
He added: “Persimmon Homes told us they were waiting for some permissions from Fife Council.
“They’ve also had a high turnover of staff in some areas which has added to the delay.
“However, we have got it quite emphatically, in writing, from a quite senior manager that it will start in March and be completed by December.”
Finalising designs and procuring contractors
Persimmon Homes said it was looking forward to starting work.
James MacKay, Persimmon North Scotland Managing Director, said: “We are currently in the process of finalising designs and procuring contractors for the renovation of the farmhouse.
“We expect to be in a position to start work in March 2023, with the aim of completing the renovation by the end of the year.
“The farmhouse has a great history and I’m pleased we’re able to ensure it will remain an important part of the local community for years to come.”
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