Largo residents have demanded to know the identities of mystery developers behind a £10 million golf course proposal.
A group of business investors described as keen golf enthusiasts is drawing up plans for Dumbarnie Links, east of Lower Largo.
Golf writer Malcolm Campbell has been named as one of the key figures behind the project but the rest do not have to reveal their identities until a planning application is lodged, which is likely to be in September.
Landowner Lord Balniel of Balcarres Estate is in talks with the developers.
At a meeting of Largo Area Community Council on Monday, planning consultant Robin Matthew was grilled by residents when he said he could not divulge who the investors are.
Tricia Wood said: “We’ve seen what happened up in Aberdeenshire and we are aware that 12 months of building is going to wreak havoc in an incredibly sensitive area of the East Neuk.
“The people investing are going to make a fortune and the estate is going to make a fortune so why are you not allowed to tell us who they are?”
Mr Matthew would only confirm the developers did not include Donald Trump.
He said: “We’ve seen the absolute fiasco Donald Trump has caused at the Menie Estate and we are trying to avoid that.
“What we can say is, yes, they are developers and, like all developers, they are planning to make money running a business. They are also 100% committed to golf.”
Mr Matthew told the meeting the course would be an 18-hole links course that would not accept members but would run on a pay-per-play basis. He estimated a round of golf at Dumbarnie Links would cost £100.
Mr Matthew said the development would include a restaurant, professional shop and changing rooms. It is anticipated the course would attract 13,500 visitors in its first year, rising to 23,500 visitors in its fifth year and create up to 30 full-time jobs.
He added: “There would be a £2m benefit to the local economy on an annual basis.”
The 132-hectare swathe that is under consideration includes a Site of Special Scientific Interest but avoids the nearby sand dunes and Fife Coastal Path.
Despite reassurancesfrom Mr Matthew and Jenny Hazzard, of consultants WSP, that the golf course would have benefits for the environment and enhance biodiversity, residents attending the meeting had concerns about the impact it would have on wildlife.
Willie Irvine, who monitors bird populations and rings barn owls, said there were a number of owl species in the area. Concerns were also raised about the impact on migrating birds and salmon populations.
In support of the development, Mr Matthew highlighted a KPMG report that indicated there was an unmet demand for this type of course in Scotland and in Fife.
However, residents questioned the need for another golf course.
David Jenkins, who lives near the Dumbarnie Links site, said: “There are at least six golf courses within a five mile radius and I understand from people who play golf that they are struggling, so clearly you are not aiming at the local market.”
Sandra Deas said: “I believe passionately that Dumbarnie Links should be left as they are. There are very few places in the East Neuk of Fife the same as Dumbarnie Links. They are all built up or golf courses. I think it would be a great shame if one of the last places left was built on as a golf course.
“I’ve been walking there for 40 years and I think it would be a very sad day.”
Community council chairman Peter Aitken concluded the meeting by thanking the consultants for their presentation. He said the developers would help allay public concerns if they identified themselves.