Vision for st Andrews west formally lodged

MASTERPLAN: Approval seen as key to successs of plans for Madras replacement

An ambitious masterplan which developers say will hugely enhance one of Scotland’s most historic towns has been formally submitted.

Planning permission in principle is being sought for a major development to the west of St Andrews which will comprise a mix of residential, university, business, education, local retail and community uses as well as associated infrastructure.

Around 1,000 new homes are envisaged as part of the St Andrews West project, while approval of the masterplan is also seen as key to the success of plans for a new £50 million replacement for Madras College at Langlands.

The St Andrews West LLP, a partnership of St Andrews University, Headon Holdings and other local landowners, is behind the proposals.

They claim the result will be the creation of a dynamic business, residential and learning quarter to the west of the Fife town, with the site comprising land at North Haugh, Langlands, Northbank and land between the Strathkinness High and Low Roads.

“There should be long-lasting benefits to the residents and businesses of st Andrews and Fife

If approved, the aim is to develop the masterplan east to west over a period of 20 years, with the first phase of development predicated over the need for a new Madras College and a new link road from the A91 to the edge of the proposed school site.

A spokesman for the St Andrews West LLP said the project should be an exemplar for creating development that feels like a “place” and a not a “bolt-on symptomatic of too many urban expansions in recent times”.

“St Andrews West should support and facilitate St Andrews as a place that will continue to flourish as an international centre of academic and cultural excellence,” it said.

“There should be long-lasting benefits to the residents and businesses of St Andrews and Fife.

“The concept here is to create a new community which feels like a place and, like the medieval core, has texture, vistas and connectivity with a clear sense of identity that reflects the best character of St Andrews through richness of place and the scale of buildings.

“This application is at planning permission in principle stage and so it sets the framework and vision that will guide future development coming forward within the masterplan area.”

As well as the housing element, around 30% of which will be affordable homes, the masterplan features university uses, a business park and employment land, retail sites, a care home, hotel, a green network, land for the new Madras and associated infrastructure such as footpaths and roads.

csmith@thecourier.co.uk