DEVELOPERS Taylor Wimpey have been given the green light to build 112 new homes across from St Columba's High School in Dunfermline.

Taylor Wimpey secured detailed planning consent for the site, bordered by Dunlin Drive and Linburn Road, 20 years after submitting the original outline consent in 1996.

Council planners had recommended approval for the plans, with the west planning committee then giving the go-ahead.

The plans had received 10 objections, citing concerns including transport, road safety, volume of traffic, loss of habitat and impact on the deer population, and the “unacceptable” impact on local services.

In the report to committee, Fife Council's education services advised that the development is within the catchments for Carnegie Primary and Woodmill High, “both of which are projected to exceed 95 per cent capacity in the next two years".

Also highlighted was the “capacity risk” at St Margaret's RC Primary, which is projected to reach capacity within the next five years.

However, planners concluded: “Overall, it is considered that the proposal is compliant with the development plan and other material considerations in relation to urban design.

“The proposal is for a modern residential development in keeping with the character of the area, the pattern of recent nearby developments and their scale, density and appearance.”

Taylor Wimpey confirmed the site was its final parcel of land at Duloch.

The firm's land director, Pauline Mills, said: “This development completes our vision for this part of the wider Duloch masterplan which in turn forms a key part of the overall Dunfermline Eastern Expansion.

“It concludes a 20-year period from the submission of the original outline consent for Duloch in 1996 which has provided a diverse mix of uses, including housing, retail, leisure, recreation as well as education and employment.

“This latest consent signals our ongoing commitment, investment and strong track record of delivering excellent quality developments in the Dunfermline area.

“Work to deliver this development of new homes will continue when our existing Wallace Grange development is completed providing continuity of employment for the workforce on site.

“As well as an impressive range of new homes, each of our developments provide a range of economic benefits for the local Dunfermline and Fife area which includes supporting over 40 jobs per year of construction, as well as the attraction of new customers to local businesses.”