Campaigners will continue their fight against a £23 million hotel and student accommodation in St Andrews.
Robertson Property Limited has submitted plans for the site at Abbey Park which aims to boost the local economy and “address a clear and identified demand” for hotel and student accommodation.
In addition to a 90-bed hotel and 100-bed student accommodation, the development will also incorporate a new park.
However, there has been a strong local opposition to the idea since it was first mooted a year ago.
The developer amended its plans in response to issues raised during the public consultation process.
But a steering group, made up of local residents, are still opposed to the development on the site.
Spokeswoman for the group, Dr Sandra Stewart, said: “Our group representing the residents continue to actively oppose this.
“We will be fighting on. This is a conservation area and they are talking about putting up buildings which do not enhance the conservation area.”
The group is now trying to enlist the support of other interested parties.
Robertson Property’s managing director Katherine Mackintosh said the submission of a planning application was a significant milestone and brought the firm a step closer to delivering the ambitions laid out in FIFEplan.
She added there was a clear demand for a mid range hotel in the town.
“Similarly, there are around 4,000 students unable to access dedicated student accommodation and these plans will help to ease demand on private properties and the pressure on rental levels.
“The new landscaped park will be a welcome addition to the town and will be open to all in St Andrews – not just those living in the student accommodation or staying at the hotel,” she said.
Ms Mackintosh added the proposals were developed following public consultation in October 2017 and June 2018 “which have influenced the design and created the opportunity to move the buildings north and create a new green space at the heart of the development”.
She said the firm remained fully committed to engaging with the local community.
Robertson is finalising legal agreements with operators for both the hotel and student accommodation.
If approval is given, Robertson aims to start work by next summer with an opening date of autumn 2020.
