The proposal to build 10 self-catering equestrian/tourist lodges in the St Andrews green belt has run into opposition.
The planning committee of St Andrews Community Council has lodged a formal objection to the farm diversification proposal by John Raeside for the site at Brownhills Farm.
While the application was previously granted planning permission in principle by Fife councillors, the main reason for the community council objection to the full planning application is that the site is now in green belt land, as designated by the recently adopted St Andrews and East Fife Local Plan.
The community council fears the development could damage the “nationally and internationally recognised landscape setting of St Andrews”.
But the applicant says the development would enhance an existing equestrian business that comprises an indoor riding arena and paddock areas.
The indoor riding arena forms part of an agricultural shed that is located to the north of the site. Agricultural land within the applicant’s ownership is located to the south and east of the site. It is proposed that the lodges would be screened by a band of tree planting around the perimeter of the site.
In the objection from the community council, planning committee member Penny Uprichard says that according to the approved Structure Plan: “There will be a presumption against new development unless it is for … agriculture … woodland and forestry … horticulture and market gardening … tourism and outdoor recreation uses compatible with an agricultural or natural setting.’
The community council’s submission adds: “It is not necessary for clients of equestrian lodges to live on site. Previous riding stables in St Andrews have not provided accommodation.
“In fact, occupation of the lodges would not be limited to such clients but would be open to anyone wishing to stay there. This would simply add to the number of empty beds in and around St Andrews I believe the hotel occupancy in Fife in 2012 was only 52%.”
The submission states the application site was in an Area of Great Landscape Value (AGLV), until the 22 AGLVs round St Andrews were removed.
The submission adds: “It is still in green belt, and in countryside. It is also in the nationally and internationally recognised landscape setting of St Andrews, which Historic Scotland has called ‘the most important small historic burgh in Scotland’.”
The application for Brownhills will be decided by a future meeting of Fife Council’s north east planning committee.