A retirement village complete with its own bowling green could breathe new life into a long neglected area along St Andrews’ southern boundary.
Developers First Scot Limited are seeking planning permission in principle for the development of what will be a dedicated hamlet on the site of the former Grange House just off Grange Road.
The plans would see 46 retirement homes built across a mix of nine, two and two-and-a-half storey blocks on land next to proposed new university accommodation.
On the site, a multi-purpose communal pavilion, patio and bowling green would also be created, with the pavilion acting as a social space for residents complete with food service and shop.
Pre-application consultation was carried out with local people before the submission of the developers’ application, although councillors will still have to approve the plans before any work goes ahead.
The firm commented: “It became clear from the public consultation that the desire locally is to see a high quality end development.
“The development has been designed to give the sense of openness, with green areas and trees as prominent aspects.”
Historically, the site was occupied by The Grange House, a mansion-style dwelling set in extensive grounds with a pond, paddocks, walled and formal gardens, along with various outbuildings.
However, the buildings lay abandoned for many years and was targeted by vandals, both inside and out.
The house was demolished in February 2017, on the advice of Police Scotland and Fife Council on safety grounds, and the site has been unused ever since.
A university village concept to the north of the site is being pursued, and a planning application for the erection of 61 properties for use by postgraduates, staff and their families is pending determination.
According to the plans put forward for the retirement hamlet, the higher blocks would be located at the northern end of the site close to the St Andrews University housing, while the smaller blocks will be spread out in the southern part of the site.
A separate cycle path, ample car parking and SUDS provision has also been included as part of the ambitious blueprint.
