Developer Quale Homes received permission from Fife Council’s West and Central planning committee last week to progress its development to the south of Coaltown of Balgonie’s Millburn Avenue.

The development will include 10 affordable homes and will consist of a mix of two, three and four-bedroom terraced, semi-detached, detached and flatted units – most of which will be two storeys tall.

Concerns from councillors and the public were raised about capacity at local schools and GP surgeries, road capacity and traffic, and the impact on existing water pressure and sewage issues in the village.

However, planning officers emphasised that water connections and water issues are subject to a separate approval process with Scottish Water.

Legal representatives for the council said that the duty for water connection rests with Scottish Water – which has not objected to the development plans.

On the issue of school capacity, Quale Homes will be expected to pay more than £600,000 to Fife Council education service to mitigate the impacts, including an additional classroom at Coaltown of Balgonie Primary School.

The development was approved by the planning committee unanimously. It will be allowed to go ahead subject to securing other permissions from Scottish Water.