The University of St Andrews-owned site was selected by Fife Council’s executive committee as the preferred location on educational grounds after legal challenges dogged the proposed development for over a year.

The site, in the west end of the town, was initially ruled out in favour of another location in Pipeland.

A judicial review into a challenge by St Andrews Environmental Protection Association Ltd (STEPAL) was dismissed in March 2015 but the construction of the £40 million school was delayed until January this year after an appeal to the Court of Session.

However, following the legal challenge, Fife Council was forced to go back to the drawing board.

In addition to Langlands, three options were still in the running for the replacement Madras: a remodel of the existing Kilrymont site, and locations on Craigtoun Road and Strathkinness Road.

In a report put before Fife Council’s executive committee, Carrie Lindsay, education and children’s services executive director, confirmed Langlands as the preferred option.

She stated: “Having considered a range of factors, the more detailed site assessment process that has now been undertaken supports the initial education service view expressed at the executive committee meeting on December 13 2016 that, on balance, Langlands offers the best location for replacement of Madras College.

“In particular, the site offers the advantage of co-location with the university, potential scope for an integrated sport and community facility encompassing the school and university facilities and the early delivery of a permanent access solution, which would minimise the environmental impact of vehicle movements generated by the school on the rest of St Andrews.”

The decision is still subject to an option agreement with the university for the acquisition of a suitable site forming part of the land owned by the university at Langlands, and the completion of a full planning assessment for development on the Langlands site as part of the overall masterplan for the St Andrews West area.

The public will have their chance to have their say on the new plan between March 13 and May 12.