Plans to build flats at Abbey Walk in St Andrews have proved unpopular with the community council.
St Andrews Community Council has objected to a proposal by Robertson Homes to build 17 flats on land north of St Nicholas House in the town.
Members say the proposal is similar to a previous planning application lodged by Knightsbridge Homes, which was thrown out by Fife councillors because it was out of character with the historic surroundings.
Knightsbridge appealed the refusal but this was rejected by a Scottish Government reporter.
Howard Greenwell, convener of the community council’s planning committee, said: “The reporter indicated that the scale and bulk of the development was unacceptable. Robertson Homes have come in with the same scale and bulk as the application put in last time.
“It would completely dominate the surrounding area. We also object to Fife Council considering an application for virtually identical properties in the same space.
“In the opinion of the StACC planning committee… the council should have refused to accept the new application, before forcing residents and voluntary bodies to embark on another lengthy round of ‘consultation’ and perusal of hundreds of documents.”
The community council has also included lack of adherence to daylight guidelines, proximity to neighbouring developments and removal of trees as reasons for its objection.
All but one of the flats, a three-bedroom penthouse, would have two bedrooms.
In the design statement submitted to Fife Council, consultants Barton Wilmore said there would be two blocks, one of which would be two storeys high and the other three storeys, including the penthouse.
The consultants said: “The proposed development has been designed to sit lightly at this gateway location, ensuring that the scale and density of proposed buildings is appropriately balanced with new and retained trees, landscaping and amenity areas.
“Our vision for this gateway site is to introduce a modest quantum of high-quality, contemporary residential accommodation, designed in a traditional manner, which will respond sensitively to the special context within which the site is located.”