Council stands firm on path

Gordon Berry, The Courier, 5 June 2000

Developers planning a multi-million pound re-development of the former Craigtoun Hospital on the outskirts of St Andrews are to be forced to build over a kilometre of footpath along a busy country road if they want their plans to go ahead.

This has been decided by members of Fife Council's East Area development committee in the face of advice to the contrary from both planning and transportation officials.

They had recommended to councillors that Golf Resorts International should be able to use a route about a quarter of the length and with a more direct access to Craigtoun Park.

Planning permission was granted to the company over a year ago for a scheme involving change of use of the former hospital to form a leisure club and ancillary hotel accommodation. The applicants already own the adjacent Duke's Golf Course, and the Old Course Hotel in St Andrews itself.

Also recommended for approval was the creation of a further 40 hotel units in the grounds of the hospital, and conversion of buildings to form four more.

A few weeks ago the firm's managing director Jonathan Thornton told The Courier that work on the scheme was expected to begin later this year.

It is now clear that a Section 75 legal agreement, which includes provision by the firm of a new footpath from Balone right to the entrance of Craigtoun Park has not yet been signed. This route would involve people walking the 1.2 kilometres of extra footpath, then the lengthy access road into the park.

Golf Resorts International, with the backing of planning officials, had suggested that an alternative route for the footpath be found, and it was recommended to the last meeting of the development committee that a new route from Balone to the park via Mount Melville should be accepted.

In a report to the committee, area planning manager Jim Birrell said that a route suggested by both planning and transportation officials would provide the most direct link to the country park for people coming from St Andrews.

The officials claimed that there would be a higher risk of accidents for pedestrians with the original route, and that pedestrian routes should be separated from unrestricted roads where possible.

it was also pointed out that the construction period would be lengthy and could involve engineering difficulties and disruption to traffic. Mr Birrell said "significant planning gain" would be offered because a footway would be provided, on a public road, where non currently existed.

"As this is likely to be the route many pedestrians use at present, the road safety benefits are all the more significant," he said.

It was made clear by Mr Birrell that it was felt the route originally designated "should be avoided" if a suitable alternative existed.

Mr Birrell's recommendation was that since a satisfactory alternative existed, the relevant clause in the legal agreement should be re-drafted in favour of the shortest route.

The move was opposed by local member Peter Douglas, who said that the original requirement should stand, and that there would be benefits from the provision of a footpath along the road in question.

The committee agreed to reject the recommendation in the report. It was made clear to councillors that if the Section 75 agreement is not signed, the development cannot go ahead.

The Craigtoun mansion has been standing empty for over ten years, having been last used as a long-stay geriatric hospital.

It was closed down by Fife Health Board in the face of rising running costs, difficulties with the accommodation, and the need for massive expenditure on upgrading.

The house was built in 1906, and enjoys stunning views across St Andrews Bay and the coast beyond Arbroath.