Plans for new care villages in Glenrothes and Lumphinnans have been approved by Fife Council.

It is understood members of the Council's Executive Committee were asked to agree on projected costs and timescales for the developments.

In Glenrothes, the new care village would comprise of a 60-bed care home and day care centre, plus 30 one- and two-bedroom 'extra care' housing properties in a complex setting which also includes a community drop-in facility.

The new care home is to replace the Alan McLure House and South Parks House in Glenrothes.

While in Lumphinnans, the same type of care village is proposed for a site on Cedar Crescent/Sycamore Crescent. The facility will replace Jenny Gray House in Lochgelly and Valley House in Cowdenbeath.

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Stephen Moore, Interim Director of Health and Social Care said: "This is excellent news. Over the coming months, we will be developing the plans in consultation with all relevant individuals including service users, relatives and staff.

"We will also be submitting a full planning application in the summer and we expect this to be granted later in the year. Once we have planning permission we expect construction to begin in the Spring of 2015."

Derek Muir, Head of Housing & Neighbourhood Services, added: "We are responding to individual needs so that older people can have a range of housing options by providing 'extra care' housing rather than the traditional sheltered housing model.

"It lets them live independently in a modern caring environment with extra support available when needed. Tenants will have their own individual home, with their own front door. This means 'extra care' houses are welcoming, fully accessible and encouraging for family and friends to visit."

(JP/IT)