Glenesk Homes will work with the retail giant to deliver a range of one and two-bedroom flats in a four-storey development, a new supermarket and an extra 93 car parking spaces.

A supporting design statement published on the council’s website states: “This new housing development has been designed to make provision for the access of people with disabilities including the provision of barrier free access throughout.”

The plans – which will see the long-awaited demolition of the existing buildings on the southern side of Mitchell Way – have been on the wish-list of the council, and residents, for more than a decade, while Lidl’s interest in building a store nearby dates back to 2016.

Leven councillor Jim Bollan welcomed the development moving to the next stage, but outlined his concerns about the plans submitted.

He said: “While I welcome the principle of the development in Mitchell Way by Lidl, they have failed to listen to the real concerns I and others have about the location of the store on the site.

“One of the benefits of having this development needs to be to increase footfall directly on to Mitchell Way and Main Street where many small shops and local businesses are located.

“The new store needs to face directly onto Mitchell Way with the new car park at the rear.

“Lidl need to get round the table with our planners and come up with a solution to make this happen or this development will not work for the whole of the town centre as was envisaged.”