An application by G. and G. Contracts (Fife) to build up to 18 houses at Doves Loan was due to be discussed at a departure hearing in Ceres Village Hall last night (Thursday).

The Windygates firm is seeking outline planning permission to build on 0.7 hectare of undeveloped grazing land off Anstruther Road.

Fife Council has received nearly 50 objections to the scheme, with residents and community groups concerned about issues such as increased traffic, the loss of agricultural ground, the impact on drainage, the harm to the village's character and the capacity of the local primary school.

However, G. and G. Contracts, through agent Graham and Sibbald, told the council the proposed development would add to the local economy and benefit from the established infrastructure.

A submission from Graham and Sibbald said: "It is noted that the residents of Ceres already have concerns regarding traffic on Anstruther Road, and the speed at which cars enter the village.

"It is considered that this is a general transportation issue which should be addressed by Fife Council."

Ceres and District Community Council secretary Brian Henry said Ceres was a historic conservation village set in an area of outstanding landscape value.

"The imposition of a development of 18 houses will effectively destroy the aspect of Ceres as seen when approaching from Baldinnie/Callange and will thus erode both the qualities that the 'conservation' designation attempts to preserve and also value of the Ceres landscape," he said.

Fife Council planners noted in their report to the departure hearing both the adopted St Andrews area local plan (1996) and the finalised draft of the St Andrews and East Fife local plan (2006) excluded the site from the village development boundary.

Extensions to settlements needed careful planning and "attention should be given not only to the view from within villages, but to views from outside," the report said.

Ceres resident Stan Calder, one of the objectors, said: "Existing drains are already insufficient to absorb current run-off, with water overflowing into gutters and the road surface as well as threatening houses and gardens.

"This situation seems likely to be exacerbated unless remedial action is taken as part of the development."

The application will come before a future meeting of the north east Fife area committee for decision.