Potential jobs boost if passed

Planning permission has been sought from Fife Council by Clayton Caravan Park Limited, a five star rated park, to change the use of neighbouring agricultural land.

The land will form an extension to accommodate the pitches for holiday use.

Andrew Kennedy, managing director, put forward the economic case for the proposal. He said: “Our holiday park has been operating for 50 years and we have never seen such strong demand for static holiday caravans in Fife.

“Much of this demand is unmet as almost all the holiday parks in the area are fully developed.

“As more individuals turn their backs on expensive foreign holidays, and the travel concerns that go with them, it is important we continue to provide quality accomodation to the many visitors to the area.”

An economic report produced in 2014 by the Scottish Caravan and Camping Forum estimates that an average of £7,000 is spent each year in the local economy for every caravan pitch provided.

Andrew continued: “This proposal, when complete, will inject around £1,200,000 each year in to the local area.

“This will be hugely beneficial not just to St Andrews and Cupar but local towns and villages such as Dairsie, Guardbridge, Leuchars and Balmullo.”

The park, which currently employs 30 full time staff, expects an additional 20 full time jobs to be created by the extension and many more seasonal work opportunities.

Previous expansions to the park have been met with approval by neighbours and Andrew believes this extension will also be welcomed by the local community.

Caravan tourism is disproportionately important to Fife, according to the 2014 report, with the area home to almost 15 percent of all owner-occupied’ caravan pitches in Scotland.