The new homes will form part of the St Andrews West Strategic Development Area, which includes the new Madras College currently under construction at Langands and the new link road.

The expansion will cover large proportions of agricultural land south of the Swilken Burn and on both sides of Strathkinness High Road and is likely to take several years to complete in a series of phases, The Courier reports.

If approved, a field north-west of Andrew Melville Hall will be used for work in the early stages. The area has been zoned for employment land and for use by St Andrews University.

A report submitted to Fife Council’s north east planning committee said the developers believe a year was enough time for uncertainty around the coronavirus pandemic to “dissipate somewhat” and allow them to market the site.

Officials approved the application despite objections from Hepburn Gardens Area Residents Association, the Confederation of St Andrews Residents Association and St Andrews Community Council.

The groups highlighted concerns over the size of a path for cyclists and pedestrians, which would link the development to Doubledykes Road via Hepburn Gardens, as well as the potential loss of hedgerows and trees.