Comely Bank, Walmer Drive, Dunfermline

Earlier 19th century with slightly later extension; adjoining on 2 sides and knocked through into later 20th century offices and garage. Original block 2-storey; 3-bay; rectangular-plan; classical villa. Extended by one bay to E in similar style. Later 20th century additions wrap around N (garage) and S (3-storey office section) elevations. Coursed droved sandstone to principal (S) elevation to original block and slightly later extension to E; coursed rubble to rear (N) and (E) elevations; polished ashlar dressings to original block and droved ashlar dressings to E extension; later 20th century additions are harled. Base course to original block and E extension; eaves cornice to both (that to original block is moulded). Decorative cast-iron balconies to 1st floor windows to principal elevation of original block and E extension. Architraved openings to N and E elevations of E extension. (Historic Environment Scotland List Entry)

17 June 2022: The property was last in use as council offices but has disused for an extended period, and is thought to have been the target of ongoing vandalism. Listed Building Consent for demolition in favour of a new-build development is being sought (22/01038/LBC). For Investigation.

21 June 2022: In addition to the Listed Building Consent mentioned above, permission is also being sought for the erection of 42 flatted dwellings and associated access, landscaping and parking (22/01039/FULL). A previous application for change of use (19/01152/FULL) was refused and an application for internal and external alterations (19/01151/LBC) was approved with conditions.

24 June 2022: External inspection finds the building in need of maintenance but generally in fair condition. There are some slipped and missing slates on the East elevation. A rooflight on the same pitch appears to be broken with possible temporary covering on the interior and slight sagging of the surrounding roof. While unable to view the flat roof of the 20th century addition, signs of water damage are visible through an upper-storey window. The majority of the rainwater goods are intact, but are blocked with vegetation. There is a broken downpipe on the West elevation of the 20th century section. The stone walls of the original building and East extension appear to be in good condition although mature vegetation growth on the masonry is of concern. The cast-iron balconies are intact and in fair condition. There are small areas of damaged render on the 20th century addition. The majority of windows and doors are covered with protective sheets of mixed materials, but some of the upper windows remain uncovered. Two of the windows of the 20th century section were noted to be open and one had been broken. Some of the coverings have failed and were found on the ground below. The stone wall surrounding the property on 3 sides appears to be intact and in good condition, but there is dense vegetation growth around and on the masonry in some areas. The property has been secured with fencing and CCTV is in operation.
Supporting documentation provided by the applicant for the current application for demolition (22/01038/LBC) states that internal inspection has identified timber rot, fire damage, water ingress, damage to the interior plaster work of the original villa, and damage due to vandalism. The extent of damage to both the original building and extension remains unclear at this time.
An article published by the Dunfermline Press on 30th April 2021 states that the buildings have been vacant since 2011.

18 July 2023: Dunfermline Press reports (Tuesday 18th July 2023) a fire broke out on the property just before 9pm on Monday 17th July 2023. They report that the roof has partially collapsed. The condition of the rest of the building is unknown.

24 July 2023: Photographs from Fife Council detail partial roof collapse following the fire. The Councils engineer has reported the building walls to be stable. Condition changed from fair to v poor.