Among the recommendations is a proposal to remove the site for the replacement Madras College at Pipeland in St Andrews; the site has been reinstated as green belt land with no development proposed on it.

The expansion to the north of Cupar has been retained in the plan with the associated relief road to be constructed by the 600th house.

Finally, land for new houses on a range of sites across Fife have been included in the plan by the reporters, leading an increase of just over 300 houses from that proposed by Fife Council.

The examination considered the content and policies of the Local Development Plan and issues raised in almost 4,000 representations made to the plan. Many community groups and individuals got involved with the Plan and had their say.

Despite there being a large number of representations from the development industry to increase the amount of new homes that are planned for, the reporters have not made any major change to the level of housing proposed by Fife Council.

Councillor Lesley Laird, depute leader and executive spokesperson economy and planning, said: “I am pleased that we have now received this report which has been long awaited by communities, investors, and the council alike. It is encouraging that the reporters’ recommendations seem to have been influenced by the active involvement of those who participated in the plan consultation and that communities have been listened to.

“Clearly, not everyone will see the outcome they wanted. In those communities where public opinion has sought the removal of sites and that has happened, people will be pleased. But in cases where the examination does not support comments into the plan, there will be a need to understand the implications of the reporters’ recommendations.”

The report is being published on Fife Council’s website.

Fife Council planning officials are now considering the detail of the 1,150 page report and a report outlining the modifications arising from the reporters’ recommendations will be reported to the council executive committee meeting in February 2017 where the Local Development Plan will be presented to committee for adoption.