Developers behind plans to more than double the size of a St Andrews holiday park are taking their fight to Holyrood.
The owners of Stewart’s Resort applied to build 131 new lodges at Northbank Farm – four miles from the Fife town.
The proposals are described as the second phase of a £20 million development.
However, councillors on Fife Council’s north-east planning committee refused to grant planning permission – despite being recommended to approve by council planning officials – with one concern being the number of extra cars using the A915.
Appeal to Scottish Government
The resort’s owner, Gleneagles Holiday Park Ltd, has now submitted an appeal against the decision to the Scottish Government’s planning and environmental appeals division.
The first phase – including 82 lodges, a restaurant and shops – is almost complete.
Planning permission is also in place for a swimming pool.
Gleneagles Holiday Park Ltd argues the expansion complies with Fife Council’s own policies.
A supporting statement submitted with the appeal said: “Stewart’s Resort (phase one) was supported by Fife Council’s north-east planning committee when it was approved in 2018.
“Clearly the committee considered that the principle of a sustainable holiday
accommodation development at this rural location was acceptable at that time.”
‘£6.6m boost to local economy’
The statement added: “The design accords with all Fife Council’s roads design standards and as such provides a safe access to phase one.
“The phase two proposals will use the same access and therefore there will be no road safety concerns regarding access to phase two.”
The firm also claims the expansion would inject more than £6.6 million into the local economy.
Fife Council has until March 2 to respond to the appeal.
Conversation