STEPAL cleared of wrong doing by regulator

The Pipeland site is currently in the green belt, but that could change.

A St Andrews environmental charity has been cleared of any wrong-going following an investigation by Scottish charity regulator OSCR.

An investigation was confirmed earlier this year by OSCR, but no details were given of the nature of the complaint or the complainant.

Now Mary Jack, STEPAL chairman, has confirmed that the complaint had no validity.

And she promised: “STEPAL will continue to energetically pursue its objectives to protect the environment and liaise with organisations which share or support STEPAL’s aims. In the St Andrews context, this includes protecting the recently established Green Belt against inappropriate development, while welcoming developments which respect and enhance the natural environment of St Andrews and the surroundings of this historic town.”

Next month the organisation will host a public meeting to discuss the future of the town’s green belt.

STEPAL achieved charitable status in November 2015, after being established to fight proposals to site the new Madras College at Pipeland, currently in the green belt.