The 18-hole pay-as-you play course at Dumbarnie Links, near Lower Largo, was given the green light by members of Fife Council’s North East Fife planning committee despite concerns about its impact on ecologically-sensitive areas, including a designated Site of Special Interest and a Scottish Wildlife Trust nature reserve.

Committee members were assured alterations could be made to some of the holes planned to mitigate any harm. They were also promised that rare orchids said to be present in the area would be protected.

The development, which includes an 18-hole course, clubhouse and ancillary buildings, is estimated to attract 28,000 visitors a year. It is also claimed that the course could create 30 full-time jobs, 10 seasonal part-time jobs as well as work for 90 caddies.

Planner Chris Smith said there would be an economic benefit for the area.

He said: “They are not providing holiday accommodation. They want to spread the benefits to the wider community.

“Taxi firms, bus firms, local hostelries, you name it, they will all benefit from visitors coming to the site itself.”

Mr Smith also said the visual impact of the course overlooking Largo Bay would be limited, aided by 75% of the course comprising “out-of-play” areas.

“Part of the ecological and visual balance would be the formation of these landscaped areas which would involve, for example, replicating the dunes.”

Applicant Dumbarnie Links Ltd say the project would provide a high-quality links course experience, which they hope would rank in the world’s top 100 courses alongside the Old Course, Kingsbarns Golf Links and Carnoustie.