A major expansion to the west of St Andrews has taken a step forward with the announcement of a public consultation.
St Andrews West LLP, which is a consortium including the University of St Andrews, wants to develop 217 acres of land between the A91 and B939 to the west of the town.
Detailed plans are yet to be drawn up but the development has so far been described as a mix of housing, businesses and potentially a school.
It is located next to the university owned Langlands site, which is one of the options being considered for the long awaited and controversial single campus Madras College.
The university confirmed it has held “very positive discussions” with Fife Council over replacing the school’s no longer fit for purpose buildings with a new campus at Langlands.
The consortium, which also comprises Headon Developments, Strathtyrum Trust and the Cuthil family, will hold a public consultation event towards the end of next month, with details yet to be confirmed.
David Wardrop, planning consultant and spokesman for St Andrews West LLP, said: “This is an exciting stage for St Andrews west which has been many years in the planning.
“We very much look forward to gaining feedback from the community on their vision for the development and hope that many people will actively engage with this consultation process to ensure the final outcome reflects the wishes of the St Andrews’ community.
“This development provides an opportunity to satisfy the needs and aspirations of everyone who lives, works and learns in St Andrews and enhance what is already one of the most desirable places to live and work in Scotland.”
However, local campaigner Penny Uprichard maintains her opposition to developing in the west of St Andrews.
Ms Uprichard, who is convenor of the local community council’s planning committee, previously racked up a legal bill of nearly £180,000 fighting plans to build in the area.
She said a traffic impact assessment carried out some years ago had warned that development would cause “severe gridlock” during morning and evening rush hours.
And she called for a masterplan for the area to be drawn up before any plans were lodged.
“I think there’s little evidence that consultation alters anything,” she added.
“We’re given a period during which we can put in comments and objections, and that’s really the last we hear of them.”
