More than 200 letters of objection were lodged against the proposal, largely due to flooding concerns, The Courier reports.

Fife Council approved the construction of around 100 new homes north and east of the west Fife village with council officers assuring that a flood attenuation scheme will make flooding less likely.

In 2012 a flood caused major disruption, with waist-deep water damaging homes and putting the school playing area out of use for several months.

However, the council’s west planning committee granted planning consent in principle to Avant Homes for the houses which will be accessed off Pitdinnie Road.

Councillors were advised that drainage and flooding experts had concluded the development would not, in principle, add to the flood risk and that flood attenuation measures planned would benefit the village.

They were also told that further information would be required on drainage and flooding before detailed planning consent is issued.

Councillor Mike Shirkie said he was “not overly convinced” by the assurance and said flooding was a serious problem for Cairneyhill. He also pointed out the additional housing equated to a 40 per cent increase in the village’s size.

Councillor Alice McGarry said she had great concern about the development and suggested determination of the planning application should be delayed to await the FIFEplan local development plan.

Fellow councillor Faye Sinclair said there would be better flood prevention with the new houses than without and said: “It could alleviate existing problems rather than contribute to them.”

Councillor Ian Chisholm said if the decision was postponed it was likely the developer would successfully appeal to the Scottish Government.

The application was approved by five votes to four.

@FifeCouncil