Developers try to allay fears

The Courier, 23 January 1999

The developers behind a multi-million-pound plan for golf courses, members accommodation and leisure facilities on a site at Scooniehill, on the southern outskirts of St Andrews, have moved quickly to try to allay any fears over visual impact or traffic congestion.

The company secretary of the St Andrews International Golf Club, Alistair Doig, has spoken out only days after more intensive proposals for a site at nearby Kingask were continued by members of Fife Council’s east area development committee amid fears that St Andrews could be strangled by traffic.

The Scooniehill plans were revealed in The Courier in November and have already resulted in considerable local comment.

Yesterday Mr Doig said that there had been some misunderstanding of the firm’s intentions - which were not set in “tablets of stone” - and he said that anyone with criticisms or suggestions would be welcome to contact him.

Mr Doig said that the present Scooniehill steading stood at the brow of a hill overlooking St Andrews and was clearly visible at this time of the year.

The intention, he said, was to provide buildings which would obtrude no further than the existing ones on the skyline as viewed from the town.

Most buildings would lie below the brow and would not be visible from the town.

It was relevant to note, said Mr Doig, that the intention was to demolish the existing buildings and replace them, and there would not be a significant increase in scale.

There was no question of homes being built, but the intention was to provide visiting members with on-site accommodation for the period of their stay.

It had been claimed, he said, that the proposals would contravene the development plan for the area.

“In responding to this claim, I would respectfully advise that the proposals have been discussed at some length with Fife Council planning department.

“It was confirmed that the construction of the clubhouse and associated facilities would be acceptable if sited at the position of the existing steading, but not if placed elsewhere.”

With regard to the traffic impact issue, which has clearly been a setback for the Kingask developers, Mr Doig said that the “deep concern” over the issue was shared by his company.

He said it was important that people realise the club would not be like others in the area in that there would be a maximum of 80 members and guests resident in any one week.

“Few, if indeed any, will have a motor vehicle, since they will be transported to the club using the Fife tourist route and will thereby bypass St Andrews.

“Shuttle transport will, however, permit shopping visits to the theatre and other activities.”

Mr Doig said that a traffic consultant had been instructed to provide a full transport impact assessment, and it was believed that the impact would be minimal. An environmental impact assessment was also being prepared.

“May I draw attention to the fact that development funding is assured, and that in addition to the numerous, and indeed significant, socio-economic benefits which the proposals will bring to the area, we plan to offer membership priority to those resident in the surrounding area.

“We also intend to create a new bridle path and right-of-way on the east-west axis, and to improve the north-south right-of-way which is currently impassable. The latter will enable members and guests to enjoy the walk into town.”

The application for outline consent is currently with planning officials. Mr Doig said that he could be written to at 16 Dalhousie Street, Carnoustie.