Part 5 - Written submissions

46. In response to consultations the Royal Fine Art Commission for Scotland considered that the proposed development would not impose any significant negative effects, either in views from the town or from the surrounding countryside. The Commission was encouraged by the proposals. However, its outstanding concern related to the potentially adverse cumulative impact this and other golf developments could have on the countryside and historic town of St Andrews. Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) indicated that, based on the limited information available, the development could have significant adverse impacts on the landscape. In the absence of more detailed information, which would allow the proposal to be properly considered, and because of the heritage interest is of such significance, SNH would wish to adopt a precautionary approach to the development and therefore objects to the proposal as it currently stands. Sportscotland had no objection to the application, but recognised that any impact from the proposal on the sports development of golf in Scotland was likely to be limited. The Scottish Executive’s Rural Affairs Department stated that the site comprised predominantly prime quality agricultural land. However as the amount of land that would be irreversibly lost did not appear to extend to 10 ha, the Department had no adverse agricultural comment to make on the application as it stood.

47. Historic Scotland indicated that it had no adverse comments on the proposal in respect of its archaeological interests. In terms of Gregory’s Pillar, the category B listed structure within the site, the Historic Buildings Inspectorate pointed out that there was a statutory duty on the planning authority to consider the effect of development on the pillar. Any proposal to clean, repair or move the structure, even on a temporary basis, would require more detailed consideration. On a more general note, the Inspectorate expressed concern that the character of the landscape setting of St Andrews would be changed by the proposal. It noted that the St Andrews Strategic Study recognised that the landscape setting was crucial to the character of the town and that it should be protected and enhanced. Concern was also expressed regarding the detrimental impact that increased traffic generated by major developments would have on the character of what is considered to be the most important of the smaller historic burghs in Scotland and one of great medieval cities of Europe.

48. The Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland objected to the application on the grounds that the landscape capacity of the site would be unable to accommodate the scale of built development proposed and the effects of the traffic generated by the proposal. It considered that the figures provided for the number of rounds likely to be played on the courses were unrealistically low and that as a consequence the traffic generated by the scheme had been substantially underestimated. The Association for the Protection of Rural Scotland also objected to the development. Although the Association welcomed the landscaping improvements which had been made since the initial application had been refused, it continued to have serious reservations about the proposal. The principal concerns related to the proposal being contrary to the development plan, the impact on the AGLV, the loss of prime agricultural land, and the scale of the clubhouse and residential facilities.

49. Scottish Enterprise Fife indicated that in general terms projects which attract visiting golfers and provide high quality facilities would be supportive of their aspirations for the golf sector. However, given the recent growth in golf course provision within north-east Fife, it is important that any new development will genuinely generate additional golfing visitors rather than displace visitors from other sites in the area. It noted that there was insufficient information to properly assess the likely degree of additionally in this case. No objection was made to the principle of the proposed development by the East of Scotland Water Authority, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency or the Health and Safety Executive. The council’s Head of Transportation had no objection to the application subject to a number of conditions and a section 75 agreement. The suggested conditions related to the proposed new access road and its junction, with the A915, the provision of car parking to accord with the council’s roads development guidelines, and the production of a green transport plan. The section 75 Agreement would cover matters such as off-site works to the bridge at Prior Letham, the routing of construction vehicles, and the provision of bus shelters and a footpath along the A915.

50. A total of 48 letters of representation were received in response to the application. Of these 42 objected to the proposal and 6 were in support of the development. Many of the issues raised by the objectors are similar to the points that have been set out by the council and the other bodies opposed to the development. In addition, concerns were expressed regarding the impact of the development on the residential amenity and privacy of the existing residents at Wester Balrymonth and Lambieletham, the proximity of the new access road to the houses at Wester Balrymonth, the safety risks to residents and walkers from wayward golf shots, the inappropriateness of the landscape to absorb golf courses, and the proposed woodland planting being at variance with the existing open appearance of the landscape. Those in favour of the proposed development made reference to the fact that the proposal could actually lead to a net reduction in the amount of traffic compared to the present situation where at times there are a significant number of lorry movements to and from Scooniehill Farm. It was also pointed out that the creation of the water features and the proposed tree planting and landscaping proposals would improve the bio-diversity and wildlife interest of the site. The provision of employment opportunities and the creation of additional high quality golfing and leisure facilities were also mentioned.