A vision for a new urban quarter of St Andrews has been set out as moves are made towards making the long-debated western expansion a reality.
The consortium behind proposals for more than 1,000 new homes, new education, commercial and leisure facilities and a link road has begun talking to the public about its aspirations.
There are concerns among townspeople about the impact of the vast development on the historic town and during a two-day consultation event almost 400 people turned out to hear about St Andrews West LLP’s intentions.
Over 20 years the consortium – comprising Headon Developments, the University of St Andrews and other landowners – proposes to build homes, a hotel, care home and business, employment, retail and community facilities and expand the university.
The North Haugh is viewed as a gateway to the new quarter, with an ‘ecopark’ and signature building to the south.
It is also likely the 88 hectares of land will include the new Madras College, with Langlands the new preferred site for the secondary school.
The strategic development area was first mapped out in the council’s 2006 Fife Structure Plan.
The consortium’s planning consultant, David Wardrop, of Wardrop Strategic Planning, said: “We were very heartened with the response from residents who see the importance of engaging with the consultation process and presenting their views as to what the new quarter should contain.
“Affordable housing, green spaces, good infrastructure and cycling path provisions were strong themes emerging from those attending and this feedback, as well as information gathered through our online survey, will feature in the masterplan.
“The robust consultation and planning process will make sure that the location of housing, community facilities, university development, open space and the street structure are all considered at the outset.
“With careful design, St Andrews West will feel very much part of the town and complement, preserve and enhance the historic centre.”
St Andrews West LLP said it wants to create a community which is not “bolted on the edge”.
Information is being gathered by the consortium’s team of experts, including planners, engineers, economists and archaeologists, before a masterplan is prepared.
A second stage of public consultation will be held in May before a planning application is lodged in August or September.
The consortium hopes to secure full planning consent and start work on site in 2019.
Opposition
St Andrews will be destroyed by the proposed western expansion, according to the woman who attempted to have it quashed through the courts.
Resident Penny Uprichard spent £180,000 taking to Supreme Court in London her failed legal challenge to the Fife Structure Plan, which set out the framework for St Andrews West.
She said: “I have always believed this will wreck St Andrews.
“It’s not the way to deal with a town which regarded by Historic Scotland as the most important small historic burgh in Scotland.
“There will be an enormous amount of people and houses and the traffic from the East Neuk will come through the town.”
St Andrews Preservation Trust is keeping a close eye on development of the masterplan.
Chair Dr Bill Borthwick said: “The recent public presentations and consultation provided a helpful insight into how St Andrews West LLP propose to take the scheme forward over time.
“Naturally the trust is concerned about the potential impacts of the proposed development on the character, amenity and landscape setting of our beautiful and historic town.
“However, as many of the details still remain unclear, the trust needs more time and more information in order to assimilate the potential impacts.”
St Andrews Environment and Protection Association Limited (Stepal) said significant impact was inevitable but welcomed news the new Madras College is likely to form part of the expansion.
A spokesperson said: “Stepal welcomes the intention of the western extension consortium to fully engage with St Andrews townspeople in taking forward their proposals.
“There is no doubt that significant environmental effects would be caused by any development of this size on a small historic town like St Andrews.
“It is important that any development which is taken forward respects the unique character of St Andrews and carefully considers its impact on the road network, already under strain, and other infrastructure of the town.
“Numerous landscape reports have emphasised the importance of views from the approaches to the town towards the historic core and the view from Strathkinness High Road to the town centre is an important asset which must be preserved.”
The group also said an ecopark with landmark building in the North Haugh would reflect the importance of the area as a gateway to St Andrews.
St Andrews Community Council said it must reserve its position until a planning application is lodged.
However, chair Callum McLeod said: “A number of St Andrews community councillors attended the presentations over the two days.
“We were grateful to have had the opportunity for some quality time with the professionals who were on hand before the start of the first public session.”
