Penman Homes wish to re-build the 19th century feature, at the town's harbour front, which was destroyed by fire a number of years ago.

This will be the third time the company, responsible for the adjacent Deas Wharf complex, will attempt to get planning approval for the project from Fife Council.

Penman has been turned down in the past because plans were not an exact replica of the original house.

Company partner Deborah Muir said: "It would be great to see something traditional at the site. At the moment it is simply an empty piece of land."

Architects are drawing up plans for the building and expect them to be submitted to the local authority within a fortnight.

They are using old photographs to ensure their designs are in keeping with the original building.

Penman hope to recruit the support of the town's Civic Society in a bid to push through approval from the council.

This week chairman Ann Watters said she would be delighted to see the house re-built and would welcome the opportunity to attach one of her group's well-known plaques to the building.

She refused to offer any financial support, however, and intended to discuss the matter fully with colleagues later this week.

Penman is confident a recreated Harbour Master's House would appeal to buyers as a two-bedroomed property.

Ms Muir said: "The property would be similar to what our company is doing with Kirkcaldy's Osbourne House. It would have a lot of character and be very quirky."

The house stopped being used in 1991 when Kirkcaldy Harbour was closed.

It then fell victim to vandalism and was in need of an entire refurbishment. Penman wished to undertake this task, submitted a planning application, but had it turned down.

Another application, this time for a rebuild, was again submitted following the fire which destroyed the building, but that too was rejected - for being too big.

Ms Muir said: "When we were going to refurbish the house, we had a lot of people interested in buying it. We couldn't put a price on how much it would cost at the moment, but we're very keen for this project to be approved.

"We hope the planning committee agrees and that common sense prevails."

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