Fife Council's Central Area Planning Committee has approved planning permission for a new care home in Kirkcaldy.

The outline design for the facility, as well as the planning application, was submitted in July.

Commenting on the decision, Councillor Judy Hamilton, Executive Spokesperson for Social Work and Health, said: "This is excellent news and marks a key point in the project. A lot of work has taken place to design the care home and ensure that it will meet the needs of service users now and in the future.

"Since last October when the decision to replace Appin House and Raith Gates was taken, Social Work officers have been having lots of discussions with service users, families, staff, the Care Inspectorate and the University of Stirling Dementia Services Centre to gather ideas and views.

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"We have also made visits to other new care homes across Scotland to learn from what they have done. All this information has been taken into account and included in the design options. I look forward to seeing it all take shape over the coming year."

Councillor Neil Crooks, Chair of the Kirkcaldy Area Committee added: "I welcome the outcome of the planning committee. This is great news for Kirkcaldy and the surrounding area. As part of our vision to help people live independently in the community, this exciting project will also include extra care housing which will be subject to a further planning application soon. This will not only meet the needs of people now but also for future generations."

It is hoped work will begin on site in October 2013, with a completion target date of October 2014.

(JP/MH)