Scotsman Developments Ltd submitted an application earlier this year to build 100 new houses, 30 of which will be classed as affordable, on the Kilrymont Road site.

While the land to the south of St Andrews is zoned for educational use, planners said the change was acceptable given the town’s new £55 million Madras school is now open.

Under the proposal, the B-listed former teaching building and the sports hall will be repurposed into 280 student apartments and 60 two-bedroom residential flats. It will house a 2,000sq ft convenience store and a 4,000sq ft deli and restaurant.

The application was passed by Fife Council’s north-east planning committee this week.

More detailed plans will now come forward for approval.