A hotel at the centre of what was termed a catastrophic planning blunder has a new owner.
The West Port Bar & Kitchen has been taken over by Signature Pubs.
Fife Council was criticised by the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman for failures in its handling of the planning application for the 54ft beer garden structure inaccurately described as a pergola.
After councillors agreed in November to serve an order for the structure and retractable roof to be pulled down, the owner of the house next door criticised what he said was a remarkable planning scandal.
There was also a warning the council could face a compensation claim from the South Street business.
Signature Pubs declined to comment on its intentions in relation to the order but issued a statement expressing owner Nic Wood’s delight at his acquisition.
He said: “I’ve long since harboured a desire to own a great wee unit in St Andrews and purchasing the West Port offered me the chance to scratch that itch.”
Manager Jim Watson is to remain in his role and the firm said it intends to maintain the bar and bistro’s tradition and high quality but make improvements, taking inspiration from its other outlets.
Planning consent for the 12ft high structure, which rises above the garden wall of the next door house, was issued three years ago.
As well as allowing it to be advertised as a pergola, planners wrongly reported no objections were made.
David Turner, whose late mother lived in the B-listed house, said it caused her terrible stress while she was ill and the noise of customers outside and light pollution meant she was unable to sleep in her own bedroom.
Alterations to the hotel’s licence have since limited use of the beer garden but councillors were worried restrictions could be relaxed in the future.
The planning application was made by former owner Maclay Group, which later sold the pub to Thistle Pub Company II.