Councillors approve new school approach road

CONSTRUCTION of a new Madras College has edged a step closer after councillors gave the goahead to its approach road.

Plans for a link road and roundabout from the A91 through the North Haugh towards the proposed western expansion of St Andrews have been unanimously approved.

The first section of the route will provide access to the site where Fife Council intends to build the £50 million secondary school.

Councillor Brian Thomson said: “I’m delighted that the planning application for the link road and roundabout has been approved, as it’s a key step towards delivering the much-needed new Madras College.

“It’s now important that momentum is maintained and I hope that the construction of the road can commence at the earliest opportunity and the planning application for the proposed new school can be determined without delay.”

The route proposed by St Andrews West LLP faced a challenge from objectors, including the town’s community council, which favoured an alternative.

Critics also protested that it will run through an arboretum containing prized trees and wildlife habitats.

Despite concerns, the council’s north-east planning committee accepted advice from planning officials that the proposed road was acceptable.

The full road will lead to and from the St Andrews West strategic development area, where it is proposed 1,100 new homes will be built.

The council submitted a planning application in February for the new school, which it is hoped will open in the 2020-21 academic year.