Former Rangers Football Club owner Sir David Murray is behind plans for a new community of more than 1,000 houses on the edge of Kirkcaldy, The Courier can reveal.
The application was submitted by Kingdom Park Ltd, a company based at 10 Charlotte Square, Edinburgh.
Sir David’s property development company Murray Estates is based at the same address.
Managing director of Murray Estates Jestyn Davies confirmed that Sir David is bankrolling his ambitious plans, adding: ”I have a free rein but David Murray is a pretty influential character. We’re all part of a big team.”
If approved, the development of hundreds of houses on land near Randolph Road in the east of the town will be built in five stages between 2015 and 2027.
It includes plans for a primary school, care home, supermarket, petrol station, park pavilion with sports pitches and play areas, and new roundabout access from Mitchelston.
Councillors have twice delayed the application, first scheduled for a decision on June 20 during a meeting of Kirkcaldy Area Committee.
The plans were later discussed at a second meeting of the committee on August 10, when councillors opted to again continue the application, this time to discuss transport concerns. No date has been set for the third meeting.
Mr Davies said: ”I’m just disappointed. Councillors have got to understand that there are consequences. Developments like this are on a knife edge.”
Councillor Neil Crooks, chairman of the committee, said: ”The application is a victim of further scrutiny by elected members that’s democracy.
”I have some sympathy (with the developer) but it’s only a continuation, not a halt to proceedings.”
He added: ”The fact that David Murray is behind it has no implications for me. It’s not relevant to me as an elected member.”
Sir David declined to comment.