St Andrews holiday park plans refused amid fears road would become ‘a complete and utter nightmare’

Plans to more than double to size of a Fife caravan park have been refused amid fears for road safety and the environment.

Stewart’s Resort owners applied to build another 131 lodges at Northbank Farm by Cameron, four miles from St Andrews.

The work was described as the second phase of the £20 million development.

However, councillors on the north east planning committee raised a number of concerns when they met to discuss the proposal this week.

One hinged on the number of extra cars using the A915 as a result of the development.

SNP councillor David McDiarmid commented: “I imagine when the golf is on that road is going to be a complete and utter nightmare.”

And Conservative member Robin Lawson added: “This is for 131 static caravans with two parking spaces each.

“That’s potentially 262 cars on top of the 164 cars from the first phase.”

Stewart’s Resort planning application recommended for approval

The first phase of Stewart’s Resort includes 82 lodges, a restaurant and shops and is almost complete.

Planning permission is also in place for a swimming pool.

Fife Council planning officers had recommended the application for the second phase be approved.

Case officer Bryan Reid said studies had shown the extension of an existing tourism and leisure development would not result in extra peak-time traffic on the A915.

And he said it would have a lesser impact on the environment than a new, standalone site.

Mr Reid added that while the development would be on prime agricultural land, it was justified as it would not have a significant impact.

However, the Stewart’s Resort planning application attracted 10 formal objections, including from Cameron Community Council.

Their fears also included extra traffic, as well as the impact on the landscape, drainage and the effect on the protected reservoir.

‘Only accessible by car’

And councillors agreed with the concerns.

Liberal Democrat member Jane Ann Liston moved the application be turned down.

“I propose refusal on the grounds this is over-development in that it’s more than doubling in size,” she said.

“It’s not environmentally acceptable because it’s only accessible by car, contrary to various Fife Council policies.

“Also on the grounds it’s far too close to Cameron Reservoir.”

Liberal Democrat Donald Lothian moved to approve the bid but was defeated by 10 votes to three.