Proposals by AEL Developments Limited and NHS Fife for Kirkcaldy’s Forth Park Hospital are to be showcased to the public at an exhibition today ahead of a formal planning application being lodged later this year.

The prospective developers have tabled a Proposal of Application Notice for a residential development of around 55-60 new homes, as well as vehicular access, open space and landscaping on the Bennochy Road site.

The property has been vacant since the buildings were cleared of all medical and office equipment after it closed in January 2012. Various attempts to make use of the existing buildings – including the B-listed mansion house building and separate B-listed stable block – have come and gone. The hospital and its grounds were previously marketed with the benefit of conditional planning permission in principle for 69 homes, but that permission has since lapsed.

AEL Developments said it intends to submit an application for full planning permission in around three months time.

The information event will take place at The Steadings in Bennochy Road from 2.00 to 8.00 pm.

John MacCallum, planning consultant with JM Planning Services, said copies of the proposal have been sent to Kirkcaldy West Community Council and the three councillors who represent Kirkcaldy Central.

“Fife Council has been contacted to determine if there are other local community groups that might have an interest in the proposed development and information is still awaited at this time,” he said.

“If any relevant interest group requires to be consulted, they will be similarly contacted of the proposed development in due course.”