No deal done yet over university’s Lochore boat shed plan

Councillors will have final say on whether bid goes ahead

No agreement has been reached over plans for St Andrews University to build a boat shed at Lochore Meadows.

Fife Council confirmed yesterday that elected representatives would have the final say as to whether the university would be allowed to carry forward its plans at the West Fife beauty spot, but stated that discussions were continuing.

It follows claims from one local politician that a deal between the local authority and the historic seat of learning could inhibit community involvement with the site.

Addressing a full meeting of Fife Council yesterday, Conservative councillor Linda Holt called for discussions over any lease signing under delegated powers to be halted for further public consultation to be carried out.

However, SNP representative Craig Walker assured fellow members the process would remain fully transparent and no agreements had been reached between the council and university.

“The terms have not been agreed,” he said. “The boat shed will be subject to a planning application and the usual processes.

“The university has been using the loch for the past 18 months and it has been a successful venture.”

Adding that the council wants to increase the number of people already accessing the area, he said: “The council recognises the importance of Lochore Meadows to the local community.”

The university boat club hopes to build a boat house at the country park under a 40-year lease agreement with Fife Council.

Assurances that the move was not part of a privatisation of the popular spot came after East Neuk councillor Linda Holt voiced concerns about the move last month.

In a statement the university said that its plans at Lochore would not interfere with public access to the site.

“The development of a boat house for the university’s rowing club on disused land does not impact upon the parkland area or current users and would allow the university to further develop its community outreach activities and junior rowing programme.

“Our rowing club trains at set times in a specific area on the loch so as to minimise disruption to other users.

“We have repeatedly said this use does not prevent any of the other loch activities taking place.”

“Our rowing club trains at set times in a specific area on the loch so as to minimise disruption to other users. UNIVERSITY STATEMENT

Picture: Rick Booth. The university says it has been using the loch very successfully for 18 months.