Construction of a massive housing development which will double the population of Guardbridge has been given the green light.
Some 335 houses and flats will be built on two fields on the western edge of the village, between the A91 and Seggie Farm.
The estate, to be built by Persimmon Homes North Scotland, will include 100 affordable homes.
As Fife Council’s north east planning committee granted planning permission for the scheme, Tay Bridgehead councillor Tim Brett said: “This is a large housing development and I think it’s going to make a huge difference to the local community.
“I am sure all of us will welcome the fact that we are getting 100 affordable homes.”
The plans come at a time of major transformation for Guardbridge,
Around 400 staff at St Andrews University are to be relocated to the village’s Eden Campus as part of a £26 million expansion programme.
Up to 60 more homes are planned by another developer on another site in the village, by Motray Park.
Persimmon Homes intends to build mainstream market houses ranging from two to six bedrooms at its site.
The affordable housing for Fife Council will include wheelchair-accessible and specific needs homes.
The company will also be asked to pay upfront for a two-classroom extension with dining and gym hall at Guardbridge Primary School and contribute a share of £4.5 million for an extension to the new Madras College. A legal agreement will be sought to secure the contributions.
Councillors were told the Guardbridge development and other planned homes in the St Andrews west area would require additional capacity at the 1,450-pupil St Andrews secondary school, which is yet to be built.
They also heard additional traffic generated by the developments would require traffic signals to be installed at the roundabout junction of the A91 and A919.
The planning application for the Motray Park homes, by McHale Enterprises, will be considered in due course.
