A developer has appealed to the Scottish Government for consent to create a new care home in St Andrews.
Aberdeen-based CAF Properties revealed the complex would replace the town’s Gibson House.
Fife councillors refused planning permission for a 40-bed care home in leafy Hepburn Gardens, part of the town’s conservation area.
Some 40 people and organisations objected to the proposal, warning of the impact of “intensive commercial activity” in a residential area.
However, CAF Properties has argued its conversion of number 92, known as the White House, and erection of two, two-storey extensions was needed by the William Gibson Trust, whose current home in Argyle Street is said to be dated and not fit for purpose.
The trust backed the appeal to the Directorate of Planning and Environmental Appeals, stating it has looked for more than 17 years for a suitable site to replace Victorian era Gibson House.
No other site in St Andrews, it said, had the advantages of the White House.
Chairwoman Dorothea Morrison said: “The location of The White House in Hepburn Gardens is ideal for the trustees as it is in the heart of a residential area, while still close to the town centre and amenities, and the trustees believe this should be regarded as an amenity asset to the area.
“The trustees are close to an agreement with the developer and are keen to proceed.
“The trustees do not anticipate that their operation of a care home on this site will provide noise and disruption to the neighbouring properties.”
She said the present home had had no complaints from nearby residents and the trustees intended the care home to be a responsible neighbour.
CAF Properties said the potential operator could not be revealed earlier for commercial reasons.
Its agent Aurora Planning told the DPEA the proposal, which was recommended for approval by Fife Council officers, complied with development plan policies.
It said the home’s footprint within the site was in keeping with the average in Hepburn Gardens and it would be largely hidden from view from the street.
It also said the predicted number of peak hour vehicle trips was expected to have negligible impact and refuse lorries and commercial vehicles would be able to enter and leave without having to reverse.
Fife Council’s north east planning committee refused planning permission stating the proposed home would be of inappropriate scale and character and have an adverse impact on amenity, due to commercial vehicle movements and proximity of services to neighbouring houses.
Hepburn Garden Residents Association said the home would bring intensive commercial activity into the residential area, creating increased traffic, noise and light pollution.
It also said the existing Mills and Shepherd designed house would be overwhelmed by proposed alterations and extensions.
St Andrews Community Council and the Confederation of St Andrews Residents Associations also objected.
