St Andrews West plans formally submitted

Planning permission in principle is being sought for the huge development, which includes hundreds of homes, business, retail and educational facilities, a care home, hotel, and associated infrastructure.

Around 900 homes would be built on the 90-hectare site if the plans are approved, of which 30 per cent would be affordable homes.

It is expected that the new housing would increase the population of the town by around 2000 people, a 10 per cent increase.

The application also states masterplan could create 1092 jobs.

If the proposal is approved, the development would take place over 20 years.

The plans have been put forward by St Andrews West LLP, a partnership made up of the University of St Andrews, Headon Holdings, and other local landowners.

A spokesman for St Andrews West LLP said: “St Andrews West should support and facilitate St Andrews as a place that will continue to flourish as an international centre of academic and cultural excellence.

“There should be long lasting benefits to the residents and businesses of St Andrews and Fife.

“The concept here is to create a new community which feels like a place and – like the medieval core – has texture, vistas and connectivity with a clear sense of identity that reflects the best character of St Andrews through richness of place, and the scale of buildings.

“This application is at planning permission in principle stage and so it sets the framework and vision that will guide future development coming forward within the masterplan area.

“The St Andrews West LLP is however committed to creating a place of quality, a legacy development, and recognise that this application is only the first stage of the process toward realisation.”

Last week, a detailed planning application was submitted for the new Madras College, which would sit on the St Andrews West site.

The submission of the St Andrews West application means locals can now share their opinions on the development. The plan can be found on the Fife Council planning website.