Opposition growing to golf plan

The Courier, 14 June 1999

St Andrews Community Council is to submit a formal objection to plans for a multi-million pound golf-related development at Feddinch amid fears that it would have “a catastrophic” effect on the town.

Although complete details are still not available, there has already been widespread opposition to the scheme - by far the largest to date in a range of developments planned around St Andrews.

Community council vice-chairman Dr Ian Goudie said at the weekend, “Notwithstanding the inadequacy of the information available on this application, our planning committee recommended that the council submit a formal objection.”

Dundee business man Michael Johnston is behind the plans for the 430-acre site to the south of St Andrews.

He has applied to Fife Council for outline permission for a 150-200 bedroom hotel and conference complex. In addition there are plans for an 18-hole golf course, golf range, clubhouse, sports and leisure facilities and spa, along with 600 residential timeshare units.

Dr Goudie said, “In this case the golf course appears to be almost an afterthought. The construction of what is effectively a small village approximately the size of Balmullo on the edge of St Andrews would be catastrophic. It would place an overwhelming burden on the infrastructure of the town.”

The community council maintains that, in particular, as with the planned scheme at Kingask, the rise in traffic entering the town would increase the frequency of gridlock in St Andrews.

Representatives from the community council have held discussions with Cameron Community Council, which has also submitted a provisional objection to the Feddinch proposals.

Dr Goudie said that the councils had been given an assurance by Fife Council officials that they will be notified if further information on the Feddinch plans are submitted. He said that in the eyes of Cameron Community Council the proposals for a golf development at Scooniehill “are less of a problem.”

Dr Goudie added, “However, they recognise the validity of our interest and we have outlined to them our reasons for opposing the Scooniehill plans.”

There will be a special departure hearings meeting in St Andrews later this week when the three planned golf developments - at Kingask, Scooniehill and Feddinch - will be put under scrutiny by members of the east area development committee and objectors.

The application for Kingask, by St Andrews Bay Development Ltd, involves a £50 million hotel and conference facility and two 18-hole golf courses.

Around 500 acres of land at Scooniehill Farm, on the southern approaches to the town, has been earmarked by St Andrews International Golf Club Ltd for a project comprising two golf courses, a clubhouse and leisure club, residential facilities and a golf academy, which will also incorporate a nine-hole course. Car parking and 80 houses, described as members’ accommodation, are also planned.

Following the departure hearings, a special meeting of Fife Council strategic development committee will take place on July 7 when the three applications will be determined.