A mixed reaction is anticipated from communities across Fife to modifications to the region’s local development plan.
The long awaited result of an examination of FIFEplan by Scottish Government reporters was published on Friday.
More than 4,000 representations were made by individuals, community groups, businesses, charities and public bodies from throughout the region to the proposed plan mapping out Fife’s development over the next 10 years.
Among the key outcomes were the scrapping of Pipeland as a potential site for the new Madras College and a change to the deadline for delivery of a Cupar relief road.
Once adopted, the revised FIFEplan will also pave the way for an additional 300 houses on top of the 26,000 already proposed.
Despite heavy calls from the construction industry for even more new homes to be permitted, reporters avoided making major change to housing numbers envisaged by Fife Council.
Councillor Lesley Laird, the council’s depute leader and executive spokesperson for economy and planning, said: “I am pleased that we have now received this report which has been long awaited by communities, investors, and the council alike.
“It is encouraging that the reporters’ recommendations seem to have been influenced by the active involvement of those who participated in the plan consultation and that communities have been listened to.
“Clearly, not everyone will see the outcome they wanted.
“In those communities where public opinion has sought the removal of sites and that has happened, people will be pleased.
“But in cases where the examination does not support comments into the plan, there will be a need to understand the implications of the reporters’ recommendations.”
The proposed FIFEplan was submitted for examination in August last year and the findings were originally anticipated in June.
Planning officers are considering the details of the 1,150 page report.
Modifications arising from it will be presented to the council’s executive committee in February when the local development plan will be presented for adoption.
The report is available to view online.