Under the plans, the leisure-led development will include a clubhouse, golf accommodation including up to 39 luxury suites, a spa and a restaurant.

Lying 2.5 km south west of St Andrews, adjacent to the A915, the 97.58-hectare site already has consent dating from 2004 for the development of an 18-hole championship golf course. Designed by 1973 Open champion, Tom Weiskopf, work is currently underway on the course, delivering some lovely coastal views in an unrivalled location and taking advantage of a growing interest in golf.

The site includes the farm steading known as Feddinch Mains, which currently lies vacant and derelict and will form the focus for new facilities.

All existing buildings at Feddinch Mains, with the exception of the farmhouse, are to be demolished as part of the proposed development, regenerating and re-using previously developed land. The applicant said it understands the benefits of embracing heritage; in a considered approach, the conservation of the existing listed farmhouse will permit an additional apartment to be formed.

If approved, the resort will provide golf club members and their guests with unrivalled standards. They will have access to a stunning clubhouse that combines quality in accommodation, dining and leisure. There will also be options available for community access.

The Feddinch development will deliver considerable employment opportunities along with increased investment in the local Fife community.

This includes jobs created through the construction process and direct onsite jobs including clubhouse staff, greenkeepers, marketing and sales staff and administrative positions. Off-site employment will also be supported through the spending of new members and their guests visiting local attractions.

A previous planning consent for the clubhouse, including 41 apartments, for the “St Andrews International Golf Club” by Scotia Investment Group was renewed in January 2017. This was on the strict condition that it would lapse in three years if construction had not begun by then. The permission expired in January 2020.

GPH Engineering has now lodged a Proposal of Application Notice to Fife Council to develop the clubhouse and associated works, including minor alterations to the golf course layout.

A dedicated project website has been set up at www.feddinchgolfresort.com with an online consultation will planned for May 20 between 3pm and 8pm.

A spokesperson for GPH Engineering said: “This exciting and ambitious scheme will deliver unrivalled standards of golf, accommodation and service at St Andrews, the Home of Golf, benefiting both members and the local community.

“The new course and clubhouse facilities will deliver some lovely coastal views in a fantastic unrivalled location, supporting a growing interest in golf, with the best courses attracting national and international visitors.

“It is our clear desire to deliver a project with lasting economic benefits to the town, Fife and Scotland. Schemes such as this provide a vital means to support the recovery of the tourism sector from Covid-19, delivering considerable employment opportunities - both during construction and onsite once complete.

“We’re looking forward to consulting widely with the community and key stakeholders over the coming months on our proposals, which will include a digital consultation event in May.”

Tom Weiskopf added: “The uniqueness of Feddinch is two-fold: it is in a superb location, just 2.5 km from the beautiful town of St. Andrews, the home of golf, and will offer superb facilities, including a stunning clubhouse and golf course.

“The new owners are committed to providing the most comprehensive golfing experience in the British lsles and I am incredibly excited to finally see this dream project come to fruition.”