Fife Council has given the green light to public art plans that will pave the way for new housing developments in Kirkcaldy and Glenrothes, The Courier has reported.

The Kingdom Park plan, at the Kingslaw site at the north of Kirkcaldy, is to be the town’s biggest expansion for a generation, with as many as 1,100 homes earmarked for construction at the former opencast site.

Councillors also agreed a public art strategy for a second planning major application at Sappi Road, which borders Glenrothes and Markinch.

Planning permission for up to 300 homes at the site was approved in October of last year, subject to a suitable artwork strategy for the site being approved.

The new housing estate will also result in the upgrading of the A911 between Glenrothes and Leven, which runs alongside the planned development.

Neil Crooks, the chair of the Kirkcaldy Area Committee, hailed the impact the scheme could have on the town, including the redevelopment of the nearby Redhouse Roundabout.

“This development will be massive for the town,” he said.

“It will be great to see it coming together as we have been close a few times. But we have kept working at it and hopefully this can move forward next year.

“It is my understanding that there has been transportation issues to resolve, with a roundabout to be created and traffic lights between the Gallatown and Redhouse roundabouts.

“That is expensive for the developer but I believe the Scottish Government can help with those costs.”

Following the Glenrothes approval, local councillor Mick Green said: “This is very exciting news.

“It is a lot of houses and I’m pleased that they will be putting in a roundabout on the A911, as that road has needed upgrading. This is big news for Glenrothes.”