Claim Kingask delay cost economy millions

The Courier, 11 May 2000

The developer behind the Kingask golf resort, spa, and conference centre near St Andrews has claimed that delays caused by objections to the scheme have cost the Fife economy £10 million this summer.

The statement, which was yesterday described as "sour grapes" by the former chairman of St Andrews Community Council, has come from Dr Don Panoz, who was speaking from the Chateau Elan development on which Kingask has been based - across the Atlantic in Atlanta, Georgia.

It has been previously stated by the developers that it was "right and proper" that the concerns of the community and members of Fife Council should have been aired.

Dr Panoz, however, has made it clear that the delays responsible for St Andrews Bay Development missing out on the Millennium Open, has cost the local economy dearly, and put 775 jobs at risk.

The project had a lengthy passage through Fife's planning system, and attracted objections from over 300 individuals and almost every relevant local and national conservation body.

It was rejected by councillors in Fife's East Area, then a fresh application was submitted and the final decision was taken - amid local criticism - by the centrally based, and administration dominated, strategic development committee.

The debate was also marked by claims - firmly denied by the authority - that the application had not been handled appropriately by the council, and that established policies had been disregarded.

There were also requests to central government that the whole matter be called in and subjected to the scrutiny of an independent inquiry, and there was a Court of Session judicial review action, which did not stop work on the scheme, over some legal aspects of the planning consent.

During the course of negotiations between the developers and council planners the scale of the hotel was reduced, and a detailed legal agreement, and a "green travel plan" aimed at cutting down and controlling traffic movements, were agreed.

It was also clearly stated by the council's strategic development committee chairman, Councillor Bill Brand, that there had been "a vast number of plus and minus points surrounding the application." Cllr Brand also said there was a "difficult task" in weighing up the possible economic, employment, and tourism benefits against possible detrimental effects on the environment.

Dr Panoz has made his comments just as St Andrews gears up for the Millennium Open. Work on Kingask is now well under way, but the thousands of visitors heading for the area will only be able to look at what is a substantial building site.

"Sadly we can only estimate exactly what this missed opportunity will have cost, but we will see for sure when the British Open Golf Championships next come to the Old Course", said Dr Panoz.

"By then, of course, supporters of this wonderful game from all corners of the globe will be able to enjoy the facilities they can only dream of this year", he added.

Dr Panoz went on to predict that the development would be completed and opened ahead of schedule in April next year.

He said he and his wife Nancy were extremely fond of Fife, and that the "vast majority" of people had been most welcoming, and had realised the potential of the investment.

Now, he said, in addition to creating the 209 bedroom hotel, golf courses, spa and conference centre, he wanted to look at new, additional ways of marketing golf tourism at home and abroad.

"Golf is a sport enjoyed by so many people, and I cannot think of a single country where it is not played in some shape or form.

"The potential out there might well be tapped into already, but the sky is the limit, with the prospect of many other businesses in Fife, and the economy in general, sitting on an unlimited resource. St Andrews Bay can help open the floodgates in the future", he said.

Dr Panoz said that in its first year of operation the resort was expected to create 275 jobs, and inject £14 million in the economy.

Last night Dr Frank Riddell, who was chairman of the local community council during the Kingask controversy and was a vocal objector, said that what had been delayed were the long term implications for the town.

He said there would be additional pressure on the streets, the health centre and the local school when the development was fully in operation.

"What has been lost is a lot of profit for the company, and we can understand Dr Panoz's sour grapes. We are weeping crocidile tears for him.

"While it is still felt the application was granted contrary to existing policies and plans, at least the negotiations brought the scheme more into line with them", he said.