Angry councillors will have to pay out council cash to fund a controversial homes scheme in Crail they rejected.
A report to Fife Council’s Executive Committee said the local authority is legally committed to participating in the project next to Pinkerton Farm, Balcomie Road.
The North East Fife planning committee previously unanimously rejected a proposal by Stewart Milne homes to build 48 terraced houses on the site.
However, the plans were given the go-ahead by a Scottish Government reporter after the developer appealed.
Last month North East Fife planning committee councillors were amazed when they were asked to lend up to £1.5 million to the Crail project and a separate scheme in Rosyth.
And now their fears council money will be used to build a project they did not want have been confirmed.
East Neuk and Landward councillor Elizabeth Riches, pictured, said: “This was dealt with in a democratic manner.
“It was considered at the committee of 16 locally elected councillors, who unanimously said this was not suitable housing for Crail.
“A reporter, who is an unelected person, decided differently. The frustration that is felt by the local people is acutely shared by those people who were on the original committee.
“This was very hotly discussed in Crail. There were two or three presentations by the developer at community council meetings, very strong points were made and the developer did not take on board these concerns.
“The local people absolutely didn’t want what was eventually up for consideration and they couldn’t believe one individual could overturn this, so there are some very angry people.”
At this week’s meeting of the executive committee, Tay Bridgehead councillor Tim Brett queried what would happen if all the units were not filled by applicants meeting the necessary criteria.
Housing and neighbourhood services senior manager Alan Russell said: “Our information, based on demand, suggests that we will get the required number of people coming forward. I cannot tell you what plan B is.
“At the moment we are proceeding on the basis that all properties will be let.”
Councillor Brett added: “This now appears a done deal and there is no legal way we can get out of this and stop this.
“It is very frustrating, partly because of the planning reason and partly because so much of the council’s own funds are now going into this to a scheme which we’re not really backing.”
Councillor Riches added: “The principle of using money to try and help build affordable housing is supported but it’s the detail of how it affects the local area.
“The council needs to learn lessons and make sure there is consultation at an earlier stage.”