Homes plan for village runs into more opposition

The Courier, 7 July 2010

Cambo Estate has applied for full planning permission to build 22 new homes on the western edge of the village south of Station Road.

Now St Andrews Preservation Trust has joined the local community council and a large number of residents in opposing the plans.

In addition, Fife Council's transportation service has expressed fears over possible flooding, and has stated that there is insufficient information for a full planning application.

A dozen of the properties would be affordable, 10 of them coming through the Scottish Government's Rural Homes for Rent scheme, and the other two funded by the estate.

The application has been submitted in conjunction with an application in principle for a further 18 "open market" homes to the north of Station Road.

If given the green light, it is proposed to create a "village green" as part of the development, open space which could be used by the local primary and as a play area for children.

The 2.6 hectares of land west of the square is designated for housing in the finalised St Andrews and East Fife Local Plan, but the preservation trust has pointed out that this plan has still to be the subject of a public inquiry.

In addition, said the trust, Fife Council's Structure Plan is still the subject of a legal challenge and cannot be regarded as a sound basis for decision making.

In relation to the application, the trust said that the development brief submitted did not meet the requirements of the local plan, legislation, or community engagement.

It has also stated that an environmental impact assessment is required for the site, and that it qualifies as a major development which legally requires an enhanced period of public consultation.

The trust has also stated that 40 houses would represent a 25% increase for the village, and this is not merited by population projections.

In relation to the proposals, Fife Council officials have now said that "there are several recorded incidents of flooding on this site."

The applicants have stated that particular consideration would be given to the sensitivities of the site which lies adjacent to the Kingsbarns conservation area.

The affordable homes would go to tenants from Fife Council's housing waiting list, with vetting by Cambo Estate.