More time has been given to Scottish Ministers to come to a decision regarding the new Madras College at Pipeline, Fife.

Unable to come to an agreement regarding the plans, the period for deliberation has been extended by 28 days, the Council has said.

A planning application for the project was referred to the Scottish Government as the proposals have the school being constructed on greenbelt land – a significant departure from the area's Local Development Plan.

Councillor Bryan Poole, Spokesperson for Education, Children, Young People and Families, said: "It is understandable that the Scottish Government would want to take longer to consider this application. This is a complex and controversial application which has created a vast amount of correspondence and feedback both in favour and against the proposal. It is only right therefore that ministers give this due consideration.

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"However, the children of St Andrews and North East Fife have been waiting for a replacement for Madras for far too long and I would hope that the process would not be delayed beyond 5th June. Every day's delay on this issue has a negative impact on the Educational Opportunities of young people in the Madras catchment area.

"I have written to both Education Minister Mike Russell, Local Government and Planning Minister Derek Mackay and our local MSP Roderick Campbell on this issue and they all know the circumstances around this application – it is Fife Council's view that there is no alternative, suitable site for a new Madras."

(JP/IT)