The Scottish Government’s reporter accepted the appeal and planning permission will be granted subject to a signed legal agreement with Fife Council to provide the developer obligations.

The development at Fulmar Way will have 26 three, four and five bedroom homes for sale and nine homes for affordable rent. It will also include new open space play area with a new footpath through the development to shops and public transport options. Work is expected to commence early next year.

The site is allocated for housing in the Council’s adopted FIFEplan. This planning decision follows a voluntary public consultation process with local residents and the local community council, as well as an appeal to the Scottish Government’s reporter. Muir Homes were supported by Geddes Consulting in this successful planning appeal.

Nicola McCowan Hill, land and planning manager at Muir Homes, said: “We are very pleased that our appeal has been successful. We are very mindful of the need for more new high quality homes in Dalgety Bay.

“We are looking forward to working with Fife Council to deliver these homes which broaden the range and availability of homes in this popular area.

“Our community consultation showed support from local residents. This brownfield site which has been allocated for housing in the local development plan means that we are protecting green belt land while meeting an established housing need in the local area. This approach is in line with new national planning guidelines.

“As well as developments making an important economic contribution in itself, the mixed-use nature to the area provides potential jobs and facilities for new residents.”

John Muir, founder and chair of Muir Group, added: “As a Fifer and a Dalgety Bay resident myself, I am very aware of the need for more housing in this attractive area.

“As well as providing much needed homes, which will continue our investment in shops, commercials and foodstores at Dalgety’s Gateway, I am very pleased that this development will make a further significant economic contribution to the local area, including the creation of a footpath to the existing shops.

“Whilst we are celebrating 50 years of the Muir Group this year, looking back we’ve been based in Fife since 1973 and our headquarters are at nearby Inverkeithing, so it is especially important for us to continue to support the local economy and this is a great way to achieve this.”