A house-builder has accused Fife of being closed for business and its local authority of putting jobs at risk.
Springfield Properties said Fife Council had blocked creation of jobs and affordable homes by refusing planning consent for 56 houses and a business unit in a Dalgety Bay industrial estate.
The firm is to write to Social Justice Secretary Alex Neil, citing the case as an example of barriers to jobs, new homes and economic growth.
Chairman Sandy Adam said: “We are ready to provide inward investment to build affordable and private homes and a purpose-built commercial building.
“At the moment our investment is not welcome. We think Fife is closed to business.”
Springfield wants to build the houses and commercial unit in Hillend Industrial Park, however the council’s west area planning committee deemed houses on land zoned for employment unacceptable.
Mr Adam blamed the council’s “shilly-shallying” for the loss from the park of a technology firm with 80 employees.
He said: “The plans which have been refused include purpose-built accommodation for Exterity and its growing workforce.
“It has been forced to move to alternate accommodation that will support its aim to double its workforce.”
Fife Council said it was certainly open for business and committed to working with developers to ensure the best for its towns, villages and countryside.
Kevin Treadwell, lead officer, said: “Council officers made it clear to the applicant at an early stage that the proposal was contrary to the development plan and continued to express concerns during the application’s assessment.
“Concerns include loss of employment land, potential impacts on neighbouring businesses and the quality of the housing environment in such close proximity to an industrial estate.
“After visiting the site and full consideration of the application, including assessment of local housing need, the west planning committee supported the officers’ view that there was a need to protect business land from being lost to other forms of development, particularly because of the shortage of business land in this area.”
He said a meeting has been sought with Springfield Properties.