TWO former MSPs are among more than 70 people objecting to proposals to build housing, a petrol station and a pub next to Dunfermline’s new £180 million super campus.

There's broad approval for the plans to build replacement high schools for St Columba's and Woodmill, as well as a new Fife College, at Shepherd Offshore's land at Halbeath, on the former Hyundai/Freescale site at Dunlin Drive.

But the Save the Calais Woods Wildlife group told the Press last week of their concerns that other proposed developments could lead to environment and ecological damage, more traffic, road safety problems and a rise in littering, pollution, vandalism and flooding.

Former Dunfermline MSP Cara Hilton is supportive of the new education developments – but opposes further housing.

She wrote: “The Eastern Expansion is rapidly becoming just one vast housing estate. This proposal will remove even more greenspace from our community, undermining the health and wellbeing of local residents.”

One-time Mid Scotland and Fife list MSP Jayne Baxter also objected: “I fully understand and support the need for a school/college campus on this site as the local college and high schools are currently close to capacity, and in dire need of updating.

“However, the overall plan for this site is still to include more housing, in direct contradiction to the Fife Greenspace Audit.”

A total of 450 homes were given planning permission in principle in 2014 – 225 have been built by Persimmon and Bellway Homes – along with other plans that never came to pass, including industrial use and a proposed hotel.

These ideas have been dropped in favour of a 90-bed care home, assisted living apartments, a pub/restaurant and 16-pump petrol station alongside the learning campus.

Shepherd's submitted an application for planning permission in principle in December, and members of the public could submit comments until February 11. At the time of closing, 76 objections and six supportive comments had been filed.

Common issues raised included the impact on Calais Woods to the south of the site – with particular fears expressed over the impact of a footpath winding through the wood – and the loss of established trees on the north-east edge of the development area.

Locals also felt the approval of a 16-pump petrol station and coffee drive-thru – seen as a benefit mainly for delivery drivers at the nearby Amazon warehouse – would run contrary to Fife development guidelines meant to encourage walking and cycling.

Several also highlighted the findings of the Fife Greenspace Audit, which reported that 41 per cent of Fifers lacked quality greenspace.

Shepherd's says the petrol station will create 30 jobs and justifies the pub as a meeting space for residents.

On the environmental impact, the firm said in its application it would avoid encroaching onto the existing Calais Muir woodlands with a 15-metres buffer zone.

“The relationship between the proposed development and Calais Muir Wood has also been carefully considered,” it stated.

Fife Council planners are continuing to consider the application, with a recommendation expected to be presented to the central and west planning committee some time in the spring.

Should it be approved, Shepherd would be required to submit further, detailed plans for the development before construction can begin.