Councillors narrowly voted to approve the plans, after planners recommended the application be refused on the grounds it was on prime agricultural land and the proposed café - for up to 40 customers – and shop would have a “significant impact” on businesses in Milnathort and Kinross.

It was moved for approval by local Kinross-shire councillor Richard Watters who stressed the employment, economic and tourism benefits the facility would bring.

The site sits on land 240 metres North East of Lethangie Waste Water Treatment Works near Burleigh Sands and around halfway between Loch Leven’s Larder and Kirkgate Park in Kinross.

The application was submitted by Cundall on behalf of Burleigh Golf Ltd and was approved by seven votes to six, the Perthshire Advertiser reports.

Applicant Jamie Montgomery – who owns the field and is director of Burleigh Golf Ltd – presented his application to Perth and Kinross Council’s Planning and Placemaking Committee when it met on 3 July.

Mr Montgomery told councillors he was disappointed when he heard that council officers recommended the refusal of the application and said the firm had been “working very hard” to provide the information requested.

An outstanding objection from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) was listed as a third reason for refusal by council officers but councillors were informed the objection – which related to potential flood risk – had been removed.

Mr Montgomery told councillors it would be a “state-of-the-art-facility” with “coaching and development for children”.

Following the meeting a spokesperson for Voigt Architects said their aim was to “create a facility that would respect character and setting of the rural location” and it is felt that plans are “sensitive and complimentary” to surroundings.