Transport impact to be assessed

The Citizen, 29 January 1999

Traffic consultants have been instructed to produce a full Transport Impact Assessment on the effects of the proposed new golf course development at Scooniehill, on the south side of St Andrews.

Alistair Doig, company secretary of the St Andrews International Golf Club which is behind the Scooniehill plan, said this week that he was confident such an assessment would demonstrate that the impact will be minimal.

In the wake of major traffic impact concerns over the proposed Kingask development, Mr Doig said: “In view of the deep concerns on this subject, shared by ourselves, it is important that people realise that our club is not like others.

“There will be a maximum of 80 members and guests resident at the club in any one week and few, if any, will have a motor vehicle since they will be transported to the club using the East Fife tourist route and thereby by-pass St.Andrews.

“However, shuttle transport will permit shopping, visits to the theatre and other activities.”

Mr Doig also responded to recent reports on the Scooniehill project, saying: “I note some misunderstanding of our intentions.

“The present Scooniehill steading stands at the brow of the hill overlooking St Andrews and is clearly visible from the town at this time of year. Our intention is to provide buildings which will obtrude no further than the latter on the skyline as viewed from the town.

“Indeed, most of the buildings will lie below the brow on the side not visible from the town.”

Along with their application, the developers have also provided the planning authority with illustrations showing the proposed buildings to be in keeping with local architecture, with red pantile roofs and appropriate external finishings.

Mr Doig added: “It is relevant to note that we simply plan to demolish the existing buildings and replace them. Indeed, virtually the same area will be used as is presently occupied by the steading so there certainly will not be a significant increase in scale.

“The intention is that the visual appearance will resemble the housing development at nearby Wester Balrymonth, which is certainly pleasing to the eye.”

He also pointed out that there was no question of homes being built on the site: “The intention is to provide visiting members with on-site suite accommodation for the period of their stay.

“While the present thinking is that the suites should be clustered in groups of eight to 10 in lodge form in a courtyard-style layout, these matters will clearly be shaped by the requirements of the planning authority at the detailed planning stage, and we will be happy to comply with their wishes.

“I do emphasise that we have no plans to build houses now or in the future”.

In response to suggestions that the Scooniehill proposals contravened the development plan for the area, he added: “I would respectfully advise that the proposals have been discussed at some length with Fife Council Planning Department and it was confirmed that the construction of clubhouse and associated facilities would be acceptable if sited at the position of the existing steading, but not if placed elsewhere.”

The proposals have also been criticised for being contrary to the Strategic Study.

“This comment is somewhat baffling since my information is that golf course development is considered as “green,” and thus of a nature safeguarding the green belt.

“Accordingly, we consider that the proposals are in complete conformity with the policies of the North East Fife Local Plan and with the Strategic Study,” he added.

Mr Doig also responded to criticism from St Andrews Community Council over fears on the viability of golf course projects; “Having established, through extensive market research and test marketing in the USA, that there is a demand for such a facility, I am pleased to allay fears that membership targets will not be met.”

An Environmental Impact Assessment is also being prepared on the Scooniehill project and Mr Doig said that he did not expect any pressure on schools since priority for employment would be shown to those resident in St.Andrews and the surrounding area.

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

“At this outline planning stage, our proposals are not set in tablets of stone and any party with particular criticisms or, indeed, suggestions is most welcome to contact me since we are prepared to address all concerns.