Working with its partner Campus Living Villages (CLV), the University of St Andrews had submitted plans to replace the 1970s accommodation at East Sands, demolished three years ago, with a new development at Albany Park.

Earlier this year, the university revised the design to increase the number of beds the development would provide from 672 to 703 after it cited the pandemic, worldwide economic downturn and the subsequent hike in the cost of building materials for making its original plans for the site unfeasible.

The application was unanimously approved by members of Fife Council’s north east planning committee.

The development is part of a series of significant investments designed to provide additional purpose-built accommodation for students over the next few years. It is hoped this will also help relieve pressure on local housing stock in St Andrews and lessen demand on the private rented sector.