Plans to demolish the former St Andrews police station and replace it with flats have been thrown out by councillors.
Members of Fife Council’s north-east Fife planning committee ruled the North Street site was too small for 17 flats and approval would have resulted in too many compromises.
The decision over-ruled a recommendation by planning officers that the application should be approved subject to a number of conditions.
The council sold the disused police station to a private developer for an undisclosed sum, thought to be more than £1 million.
The site was earmarked for much-needed housing but no provision was made for affordable homes as many had hoped.
Councillors were told the proposal was for 17 flats split between two blocks, which included floors at basement and attic levels, 14 car parking spaces and small gardens.
Councillor Dorothea Morrison expressed disappointment that provision for affordable homes was not included in the application.
She said: “St Andrews is one of the most pressurised areas for housing in Fife and we have very, very little land owned by Fife Council. This would have been seen as an ideal opportunity for Fife Council to use it.”
Mrs Morrison was also concerned about the number of flats and their proximity to other nearby homes.
“It all seems very crammed,” she said. “It’s over development but with no benefit to St Andrews.”
Her view was shared by fellow St Andrews councillor Brian Thomson, who said: “I’m very disappointed a public asset such as this is not being used for affordable housing proposals.”
Queries were also raised about the small number of car parking spaces, which was fewer than one per flat, and about the size of the gardens.
St Andrews Community Council and the Preservation Trust submitted written objections to the plans on the grounds of over-development, a lack of privacy, limited garden space and insufficient car parking. They also objected to proposed increase in the height of the roof.
Moving the application be refused, Councillor Karen Marjoram told the committee: “There are too many compromises with this. We are squashing too many houses in and we don’t have normal parking or garden ground. There is too much I’m not particularly comfortable with.”
Councillor Tim Brett moved approval but the application was refused by 10 votes to three.