Student housing delay call

ST ANDREWS Community Council has called for plans to build student accommodation in the town to be halted until a housing report is published.

There are two separate proposals for student halls at the former Memorial Hospital in Abbey Walk and at the site of the Wonder-Years Nursery at East Sands.

But the Royal Burgh of St Andrews Community Council said no decisions should be made on the plans before the release of a report by St Andrews Town Commission on Housing.

“We do not want to see any progress on the student accommodation applications until that report has been published,” said Howard Greenwell, the community council’s planning convener.

“When the report is published we will be able to see if there is a recommendation for further student accommodation.”

The Town Commission, which has involved the community council, St Andrews University, St Andrews Preservation Trust, a residents’ association, the students’ association and elected council members, was formed to examine housing needs.

It is expected to publish its report in September.

Mr Greenwell said he was in the process of preparing a formal objection to the Memorial Hospital proposal on behalf of the community council.

He said the community council had a list of concerns in relation to the development, including building height, road safety, car parking, impact on wildlife and maintenance of the path by the Kinness Burn.

“Enough developers take enough money out of St Andrews. They should be giving something back to the community,” said Mr Greenwell.

“We object to the fact that they are doing nothing to improve the entrance to the site.

“There’s a blind bend on a reasonably fast road and they should be providing something like a mini roundabout.

“The building is too high. It shouldn’t be any higher than the neighbouring building. It’s at least one storey, if not two storeys, too high.

“And there would be the loss of six trees in the construction area.

“There are only 30 parking spaces in total. While I appreciate not every student has a car, when they are aiming these student places at the top end of the market, 30 spaces are not enough.”

Mr Greenwell also highlighted a report identifying the presence of bats — a protected species — in the old hospital.

The site was surveyed by ecological consultants David Dodds Associates, who found three bat roosts at the site.

A supporting statement prepared for developers Watkin Jones Group stated: “The proposals for the site include demolition of the existing redundant hospital building followed by redevelopment of the site to incorporate student residential accommodation and associated works.

“The new facility will have students in residence from September until the end of May each year. During the months of June, July and August the facility will cater for student demand and also golf tour visitors.

“These guests will make use of the cluster flat arrangements which have either four or sixen-suite bedrooms centred around a living, kitchen, dining area.

“Management staff, security staff and/ or wardens are on hand to address any concerns raised by occupants of the building or members of the public.”

Public consultation events were held prior to the plans being lodged. However, the response was poor.