Plans for a radical five-storey extension of one of Scotland’s most famous hotels could be given the green light next week despite objections from high-profile neighbours including the Royal and Ancient Golf Club in St Andrews.
The Scores is just a few yards away from the world-famous Old Course. Proposals to extend the building creating an extra 33 bedrooms have divided opinion, with R&A officials among those objecting. They claim the development would “destroy” the area.
The Old Course Ltd has also lodged an objection, insisting that the proposals could jeopardise £35 million plans to create luxury flats in Hamilton Hall the iconic red sandstone building which overlooks the 18th green of the Old Course.
The Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland is among others to contact Fife Council to outline concern regarding the project.
Despite the objections of such lofty neighbours, local authority planning officials are urging councillors to rubber-stamp the proposals when they come before the north-east Fife area committee next week.
A report set to go before elected members states the plan is “acceptable” and that “potential adverse impacts” can be mitigated.
The applicant claims the development would lead to the creation of 14 permanent jobs.
However, R&A officials are far from impressed. In a letter to planning chiefs a spokesman said, “The proposal will have a detrimental effect on the character and nature of the conservation area … and on the privacy, amenity and operation of our championship offices located immediately adjacent to the proposed site.
“The proposed development is … of an appearance inappropriate to the conservation area … and destroys the natural environment of the landscaped area at the heart of this part of St Andrews.”
Meanwhile, a letter from Old Course Ltd warns that planning approval could “seriously jeopardise” the plan to create luxury flats at Hamilton Hall, which lies within yards of The Scores.
The structure, built in 1895 as the Grand Hotel, is one of the most photographed buildings in the world and has formed the backdrop of images seen by millions globally during Open golf championships.
The letter from Old Course Ltd states, “This proposal (by The Scores) does not respect or preserve the character of this conservation area … indeed this urban block would destroy the character of this historic part of town.”
Several expressions of support have also been received by the council, and planning officials insist any potentially negative impacts can be mitigated.
Their report states, “The proposed extension … will not be prominent from public views within the conservation area and will only be partially visible when viewed from the wider area of the beach and golf courses to the west.
“Overall it is considered that the proposed siting (of the extension) will not have a detrimental impact on the character or appearance of the conservation area.”
The report does concede that the proposal could “potentially” impact on the privacy of apartments in the refurbished Hamilton Hall. Nevertheless, it concludes that the application is subject to certain planning conditions acceptable.
Councillors will discuss the proposal at a committee meeting in Cupar on Wednesday.
Photo from Google Maps.