A housing development in rural Fife has been approved, despite more than 50 objections being lodged.
Councillors on the central and west planning committee granted Dunfermline-based Campion Homes Limited permission to build 29 homes in Star of Markinch.
A total of 51 letters of objection were submitted from 36 individuals regarding the blueprint for the site next to the West End Dairy in Main Street.
Critics raised concerns about the village’s infrastructure, including its primary school, roads and pavements, and its inability to cope with an influx of people.
Opponents also questioned the wider impact of the development on the general character of Star, the surrounding countryside and existing housing.
The application also received six letters of support.
Fife Council case officer Ewen Campbell said the scale of the development had been assessed through the FIFEplan process and the suitability of the allocated site for housing development had been deemed acceptable.
Jim Currie, who is a community councillor but was voicing his own opinion, said: “Star of Markinch is a peaceful bywater and people would like it to remain that way.
“There are plenty of other places around Fife, in Glenrothes, that could be developed instead.
“The field which they want to build on has lovely views over the hills… people moved here for that.”
Consent is subject to conditions and the conclusion of an agreement to secure financial contributions.
The developer has been asked to contribute £8,352 towards transport infrastructure measures, £49,300 towards affordable housing, £47,589 towards extra capacity at Auchmuty High School in Glenrothes, and another £29,000 towards off-site play equipment.
Fife Council transport chiefs have also been asked to assess the feasibility of installing a raised crossing as part of planned pedestrian improvements.