Plans for a “radical” and “iconic” new visitor centre at the West Sands in St Andrews have again been rejected amid fears views from the Old Course would be damaged.
Fife Coast and Countryside Trust (FCCT) appealed against Fife Council’s rejection of the application to the Scottish Government.
But a decision by the Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals (DPEA) reporter Sinead Lynch said the impact of the design, scale and massing of the proposed £1.6 million visitor centre, caf and toilets would “harm the visual and landscape amenity of the surroundings to an unacceptable degree, in contravention of other policy matters.
“Given the unique significance of the location, these shortcomings are of overriding importance, so that overall, I am satisfied the proposal does not accord with the development plan.”
However, the reporter did recognise the need for new facilities at West Sands.
“I agree with all parties that the current facilities at West Sands are outdated and of poor quality in terms of their structural integrity and appearance,” she added.
“It is also clear that the principle of replacing the current facilities on the appeal site is not in dispute. Rather, the primary issue is the proposed height of the new visitor centre and the new lifeguard station.
“Concerns are also expressed about the finishes and materials to be used on the visitor centre, as well as its likely impact on landscape and visual amenity, especially in the above important environmental and landscape context.”
The reporter said she is satisfied that the proposed design of the visitor centre is appropriate.
However, she said the building would “detract substantially” from the landscape setting of the area and that the landscape would be “marred” by the height of the proposed building, which she described as being “out of place” in a vista dominated by golf links and golf-related development.
Amanda McFarlane, FCCT chief executive, said that the decision was “regrettable”, as the best facilities were sought for West Sands.