The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Residents rally against student flats and hotel
‘Profit before people’ claims as Abbey Walk plans are revealed
St Andrews residents are rallying against a developer’s plans to build student accommodation and a hotel in the heart of the town.
People living near Abbey Walk say they have been “horrified” to hear about Robertson Property Limited’s proposals for two blocks of student flats, a 90-bedroom hotel and 89 car parking spaces.
They have accused those behind the blueprint of putting “profit before people”.
A residents’ group has now been formed to fight the pending planning application, with many of the members claiming that they had been given no indication of the proposal when they bought their property.
Opponent Dr Sandra Stewart said: “With the best will in the world, there is little chance of harmony between an elderly population seeking a relaxed and peaceful atmosphere and students who are at an age where they want to express themselves and enjoy freedom from the restriction of living with the older generation.”
Angry residents in St Andrews have accused a developer of putting “profit before people” as plans emerged for student accommodation and a hotel in the heart of the town.
Robertson Property Limited is proposing a 90-bed hotel, 89 car parking spaces and student accommodation of 104 beds spread over two blocks, along with secure cycle parking in Abbey Walk.
Neighbours say they are “horrified” by the blueprint and have formed a residents’ group to oppose it every step of the way.
The site already houses a range of accommodation, comprising assisted living and retirement homes, two and three bedroom apartments, town houses and affordable housing.
Dr Sandra Stewart, speaking on behalf of the newly-formed group, said the feeling among locals was that the developers had been “deceitful and somewhat disingenuous” with people who have purchased property from them.
“With the best will in the world, there is little chance of harmony between an elderly population seeking a relaxed and peaceful atmosphere and students who are at an age where they want to express themselves and enjoy freedom from the restriction of living with the older generation,” she said.
“The residents are not against developing the site per se but what is being proposed is not in character with the existing development.
“We believe this is a classic example of a large corporation putting profit before people.”
The group has also raised question marks about increased levels of traffic around the development, as well as a dearth of open space and the lack of a safe play area on site.
“Many of the residents have chosen a home in a quiet location close to local amenities and are concerned that this will be far from what they will find themselves living in,” Dr Stewart added.
The concerns were raised follow a public consultation event highlighting the plans.
Ross McNulty, development director at Robertson Property, said the firm was keen to hear the community’s opinions and insisted there was much to recommend the proposal.
He added: “This mix of uses is proposed to complete the last key stage of development at St Leonards in line with the strategic development framework that was approved by Fife Council in 2011.
“Key mature trees will be retained as part of two linked public gardens which will be landscaped to encourage use by both local residents and hotel guests.”
We believe this is a classic example of a large corporation putting profit before people. DR SANDRA STEWART