Developer slams 'irrational' Fife Council refusal of new flats in St Andrews

Eastacre Developments has rubbished the decision to turn down what they called their "creative and exciting" plan to build six flats next to Kinburn Castle on Doubledykes Road, St Andrews.

The firm had applied to build the flats, with six car parking spaces at the rear, on land adjacent to the C-listed hall, arguing that its "historicist" design would fit in with the rest of the area - even hiring heritage consultants to conclude that the flats would fit in with the area.

However, council officers feared the building would ruin the conservation area and said it needed more than one parking space for each flat. Councillors refused the plans on January 14 - prompting Eastacre to appeal.

Agents acting on the firm's behalf have told the Scottish Government's Planning and Environmental Appeals Division (DPEA) the arguments for refusal were "marginal" and deemed the demands for more car parking "unreasonable.”

https://www.fifetoday.co.uk/news/people/ps40000-funding-boost-announced-fife-libraries-3136085

https://www.fifetoday.co.uk/news/people/valentines-day-ps2000-donation-joy-fife-animal-charity-3136181

They also believe their development should be approved because it sits on the very edge of the conservation area and because another modern development, in nearby Kinburn Place, was approved in similar circumstances.

In an appeal statement, agents Gray Planning and Development wrote: "The heritage experts have shown there is a clear conflict of view between the advice of the council's built officer and the reality on the ground of how and where the Doubledykes Road formation fits into the Conservation Area designation and what purpose it serves in relation to character.

"It is concluded that the reasons for refusal can be set aside, as the proposals do comply with the development plan and material considerations provide considerable weight to support the rational view."

Eastacre consulted extensively with planning officers prior to submitting the application, changing the design and the size of the building in order to maximise its chances of being approved - but were never able to convince them it would not clash with the nearby historical buildings.

DPEA has confirmed receipt of the appeal and will now contact Fife Council for a response. It aims to issue a judgement sometime in May.