A building in a Fife town which has been a butcher’s shop, pet shop, clothes shop and a pub is set to be turned back to its original role - as residential accommodation.

Fife Council has approved a change of use for the premises at 8 Forth Street, Leven after considering an application from Morag Millar to carry out external operations, including the installation of windows and a door.

A supporting statement, submitted as part of the application, said the building was originally a home before it was converted for commercial use in the 1980s.

When the butchery business closed, it became a clothes shop, but then lay empty for two years before becoming The Dander Inn. It has sat vacant since 2025.

The front and rear of the premises | Pics Fine Designs Architecture

placeholder image — The front and rear of the premises | Pics Fine Designs Architecture

The statement said there were ten non-domestic properties in Forth Street - five shops,three offices, one store and a church hall. The store and three of the shops are all vacant. The building was placed on the market for sale in 2025 as a development opportunity and with potential to convert more of it to residential use.

The statement added: “The premises are now empty but require refurbishment to bring to a lettable condition. The flat roof to the rear extension is at the end of its life. There has been recent investment to make it wind and watertight and resolve drainage issues.”

It continued: “Continued commercial use is not considered viable in current and forecast market conditions. Given the high level of vacancies in Forth Street no marketing has taken place. However, there is steady demand for two-bedroom flats for residential use.

"This use is not dependent on footfall and would contribute to spend in the town centre. It fits with adjoining residential uses and the Council’s town centre first policy encouraging more town centre living.”