Campaingers say they are disappointed Scottish ministers have not reached a decision on Fife Council’s plans for a new Madras College at Pipeland.
Ministers have extended their period of deliberation by 28 days because of the volume of paperwork involved.
However, Pipeland objectors hope the Scottish Government will order a call-in to allow the Pipeland proposal to be considered in an “objective way”.
The planning application, approved by Fife Council on April 3, was referred to the Scottish Government because the proposed school would be built on greenbelt land a big departure from council plans.
Fife Council cannot now proceed with the planning application before June 5 and in that time, Scottish ministers may decide to “call-in” the decision.
Councillor Bryan Poole, spokesperson for education, children, young people and families, said: “It is understandable that the Scottish Government would want to take longer to consider this application.
“This is a complex and controversial application which has created a vast amount of correspondence and feedback, both in favour and against the proposal.
“It is only right, therefore, that ministers give this due consideration.
“However, the children of St Andrews and North East Fife have been waiting for a replacement for Madras for far too long and I would hope the process would not be delayed beyond June 5.
“Every day’s delay on this issue has a negative impact on the educational opportunities of young people in the Madras catchment area.”
He added: “I have written to both education minister Mike Russell, local government and planning minister Derek Mackay and our local MSP Roderick Campbell on this issue.
“They all know the circumstances around this application. It is Fife Council’s view that there is no alternative, suitable site for a new Madras.”
Tim Brett, leader of the Liberal Democrat group and Taybridgehead councillor added: “I am sure many parents and pupils in the Madras catchment area will be disappointed the minister has not been able to make a decision on the Madras application.
“A number of alternative sites have been examined over the last few years.
“Councillors accepted that the Pipeland site was the best way the much-needed new school could be delivered and I hope the minister will agree this as well.”
A spokesman for pro-Pipeland campaign group Parent Voice added: “Along with families across North East Fife, we are naturally disappointed in this delay, which simply increases the educational cost paid by our community.
“Pipeland as a location has the overwhelming support of both the community and the councillors. The only remaining issue is that of the greenbelt, which is not there to prevent all new development but to control it.
“It should never be used to suffocate a living, vibrant town by forcing us to live in a dusty museum, or a cultural cul-de-sac. It’s a school we are building, not a prison or executive homes.
“We understand the planning minister will have been bombarded by submissions from those with greater funds and experienced lawyers working for them.
“We appreciate the minister also has to consider all this information carefully so the final decision is beyond challenge.
“However, we remain confident that the outcome will reflect the interests and views of the whole community, not just those of a powerful minority.
“In conclusion, we fully support the need for this process to be conducted thoroughly but we urge the minister to be mindful of the consequences of delay.”