Concerns are mounting over revelations a housebuilder has set its sights on turning parkland in St Andrews into a residential development.
A subsidiary of Barratt Developments has notified Fife Council that it wants to construct housing at New Park playing field. The area, part of the New Park School until it closed some years ago, forms part of the picturesque Lade Braes walk in the town’s Canongate area.
Townspeople are demanding that the playing fields are left untouched and have pointed out that they are designated protected open space in Fife Council’s development plan.
A proposal of application notice submitted by BDW Trading states that the firm intends to submit an application for planning consent for housing, open space and ancillary development.
St Andrews Community Council chairman Howard Greenwell said: “There is great concern as to what Barratt is proposing for this site.
“In theory, it could develop all the way down to the Kinness Burn. It’s a fairly significant area.
“It’s generally become a very nice wildflower meadow and a great amenity for the residents in the Canongate area.
“It’s an integral part of the Lade Braes walk; it is protected open space and no developer should be allowed to build houses on that space.
“St Andrews Community Council is dead against development of this field.”
It is believed locally that Barratt has purchased the land but The Courier was unable to confirm ownership.
Ahead of a planning application being submitted, neighbours have been expressing their opposition to the proposal as part of the FIFEplan consultation.
One worried resident has erected a notice urging others to make their views known to the local authority.
Joan Dowie told The Courier: “The playing field is a beautiful open space that is much enjoyed, valued and used by the local community.”
Tim Butler highlighted the “tranquility” of the Lade Braes, of which he said New Park playing field was a significant part.
“I am emotionally attached to the area, having lived here for many years, and would dearly like to see the area remain as it is,” he said.