Consultation opens on town expansion

A VISION for a new urban quarter of St Andrews has been set out as moves are made towards making the western expansion a reality.

The consortium behind proposals for more than 1,000 homes and education, commercial and leisure facilities, as well as a link road, has begun talking to the public.

There are concerns about the impact of the development on the town and during a two-day consultation almost 400 people came to hear about St Andrews West LLP’s intentions.

Over 20 years the consortium — comprising of Headon Developments, St Andrews University and other landowners — proposes to build homes, a hotel, a 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 land will include the new Madras College.

The consortium’s 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 master plan.

“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.”

The consortium hopes to secure full planning consent and start work on site in 2019.