Letter attached to East Area Development Committee Report, Agenda 14(a), 19/1/99

From: Jonathan Thornton, Managing Director, Golf Resorts International
To: J M Birrell, Area Planning Manager (East)
Date: 18 December 1998

CRAIGTOUN HOUSE, ST ANDREWS - OUTLINE PLANNING APPLICATION FOR 34 UNITS

With reference to the above Application for Outline Planning Consent, to the Planning Hearing and to our subsequent discussions following the Committee meeting on 8 December, may I comment as follows:

In recognition of the concerns expressed by some Committee members with regard to the outline application, I have reviewed the financial projections in the Business Plan for the development to determine if there was any possible scope for a reduction in the extent of the new-built element of the project. These projections are based on an aggregate of 71 bedrooms in 5 three bed, 27 two bed and 2 one bed units, totalling 34 units.

The projections leave me little opportunity for movement on this matter, but as a gesture could I suggest the following:

That we still apply for outline consent for not exceeding 34 units, but with a maximum of 68 rather than 71 bedrooms. This would have the combined desired effect of reducing numbers of guests and of diminishing the 'footprint' of the project within the landscaped areas, while leaving final configurations to be agreed with you at the detailed stage.

Furthermore we would accept that the locations of the units would be restricted to the approved building zones (to protect the existing trees and landscaping) as agreed with the Planning officials and shown on drawing no.100B and that the final layout, number of units and design shall be the subject of the approval of the Fife Council Planning Authority at the detailed (reserved matters) stage.

We also agree to the provision of the new landscaping as suggested by your officials and to its planting at an early stage to speed up the screening process.

We have also, as requested by your Committee, commissioned a further check into the Traffic Impact of the development and this report is enclosed for your consideration.

I hope that these measures will enable the Committee to grant planning consent at the next Committee meeting in January 1999.

This application was duly passed at the January meeting.