Cambo Arms appeal refused

Anita Rogan, The Citizen, 17 May 2002

Owners of the historic Cambo Arms Hotel, Kingsbarns, have lost their appeal to be allowed to convert the B-listed building into two residential houses.

A Scottish Executive reporter has ruled that, although the proposal would not affect the character of the 400-year-old property, loss of the pub would be detrimental to the character of village.

He added that arguments surrounding the viability of the business had also failed to be proven.

It was in November 2000 that the owners, Alistair and Anne Fraser, closed the Cambo Arms on the grounds that it was no longer financially viable.

They subsequently sought planning permission to alter the property - a coaching inn as far back as the 17th century - after their efforts to sell it as a going concern failed.

However, news of the move sparked widespread protest among residents in the village and, by the time the application came before Fife Council's East Area Development Committee for consideration last June, a 200-name petition - and more than 100 letters of objection - had been received by the council's planning service.

The application was turned down on the grounds that the owners had failed to prove the Cambo Arms did not have a viable economic future and because it was felt the loss of the only public house in Kingsbarns would have an adverse effect on the vibrancy of the village. The owners then lodged a formal appeal.

However, in his report, published this month, the Scottish Executive reporter backed the council's decision and stated that although the proposed conversion of the bar, hotel and dwelling house would not affect the physical character of the listed building, the permanent loss of the public house would detrimentally effect the character of the village of Kingsbarns.

He added: ''The question of the unviability of the business has not been proven and there are no other material considerations which would justify detrimentally affecting the character of the conservation area.

''The public house is extremely well-located at the heart of the village and next to the A917 leading from St Andrews to the villages of the East Neuk of Fife.

''Tourism is an important business in both these areas and it is apparent that there has been a number of very recent golfing and tourism-related developments in the area which could well increase the number of visitors.''

He pointed out that the owners of the Cambo Arms were not members of the Kingdom of Fife Tourist Board and had not publicised the business through the board, adding, ''In these circumstances I do not consider that the unviability of the business has been adequately demonstrated.''

Kingsbarns Community Council Chairwoman, Clare Wright, said this week: ''People were very disappointed when the pub closed and everyone - local residents and visitors - all felt it was a pity.

''Kingsbarns is quite a busy, lively village and we were sorry to lose our pub. It has left quite a big gap and we hope that, perhaps, sometime in the future, it might get up and running again.''