A close vote at the Kirkcaldy Area Committee saw councillors refuse planning permission for the development of 32 allotments with fencing, landscaping and sheds on an area of Dunnikier Park next to Fife Council's depot, Dunnikier House Hotel and Dunnikier Park Golf Club.

Refusal of the application by the Kirkcaldy Allotments Group was carried by seven votes to five on the grounds of loss of visual amenity and loss of public open space.

Councillors who voted against the planning application all stressed they were not against the creation of allotments but did not consider the Dunnikier Park land suitable.

Councillor Neil Crooks, who represents Kirkcaldy North, which the park is in, said: "I can see how attractive this site is to those wanting to create allotments, but I am moving refusal.

"This area has been used by generations of residents for picnics and sporting activities and the open aspect is the main thing that we will lose if we go ahead with this.

"If we put up big fences, many people have said it would create the look of a concentration camp effect and, instead of walking along an open footpath from Johnny Marshall's Loan to Dunnikier House Hotel, it would be all enclosed."

He also raised fears that it could attract vandalism.

Seconding refusal, Councillor David Ross said: "It is a well used and valuable area of public space in the community."

Councillor Susan Leslie argued that having people working on their allotments until later in the spring and summer months would reduce the likelihood of vandalism, and Councillor David Torrance said it would provide a valuable educational facility for schools in the vicinity.

Relating to concerns raised about pedestrian safety, Dave Frew from the Council's transportation department said there were speed bumps in place, with more to be installed and the volume of traffic for the allotments was not expected to rise considerably.