St Andrews residents have united for a second time against plans for luxury clifftop homes surrounded by glass.
People living near East Scores have reacted with dismay after Martin Lightbody appealed a decision to refuse his proposal, which includes an underground garage and gym.
And they have lodged their own submission with the Scottish Government, urging them not to overturn the Fife Council ruling.
Mr Lightbody wants to demolish St Regulus Cottage, which he owns, and replace it with two houses, described by planners as “overtly modern”.
His plans include a car lift and rooftop solarium, and the building would be finished in bronze cladding.
However the site, in the heart of the town’s conservation area, is just yards from the castle and cathedral.
And neighbours branded it an “architectural atrocity”.
St Andrews clifftop homes would ‘destroy iconic view’
Chris Main, who lives in nearby sheltered housing, claimed the houses would overshadow others in the street.
And he added: “How to destroy one of the iconic views of the east of Scotland!”
Mr Lightbody’s proposal was backed by council planners when it was considered by the north east planning committee in August.
They said it would replace a modern, 1970s-style bungalow with no architectural merit.
Development manager Alistair Hamilton said: “It’s quite a statement building but in terms of proportion and size, it does fit in with the street scheme.”
But councillors disagreed, with SNP member David McDiarmid branding the proposal a carbuncle.
He added: “We don’t want to turn St Andrews into California or parts of London.”
The application was refused by eight votes to four but Mr Lightbody has now asked Scottish Government reporters to reverse the decision.
‘Universal opposition’ remains
Mr Main said there was still universal opposition among neighbours.
“The design is out of character, the structure is large and intrusive and destructive to the surrounding environment, bedrock and cliff path,” he said.
And he added that everyone living nearby was “flabbergasted” when the application was supported by planning officials.
“It was only thanks to the intervention of elected members that the development was voted down.” he said.
“In truth, they were our last chance. Our only chance.
“We assumed it would go to appeal and it has. We still oppose it for the same reasons.
“It will destroy our lives.”
Mr Lightbody has been approached for comment.
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