Construction of a new Madras College has edged a step closer after councillors gave the green light to its approach road.
Plans for a link road and roundabout from the A91 through the North Haugh towards the proposed western expansion of St Andrews were unanimously approved on Wednesday.
The first section of the route will provide access to the site where Fife Council intends to build the long-awaited £50 million secondary school.
St Andrews Labour councillor Brian Thomson said: “I’m delighted that the planning application for the link road and roundabout has been approved, as it’s a key step towards delivering the much needed new Madras College.
“It’s now important that momentum is maintained, and I hope that the construction of the road can commence at the earliest opportunity and the planning application for the proposed new school can be determined without delay.”
The route proposed by the consortium St Andrews West LLP faced a challenge from objectors, including the town’s community council, who favoured an alternative.
Critics also protested that it will run through an arboretum containing prized trees and wildlife habitats.
Despite concerns, the council’s north east planning committee accepted advice from planning officials that the proposed road was acceptable.
Councillors were advised that the planning application had to be determined on its own merits, without reference to the proposed new school.
SNP councillor David McDiarmid shared concerns about the impact on wildlife and said that in 11 years as a councillor he had never seen a planning application with as many species of birds, animals and trees on the land concerned.
Badger tunnels are among the mitigation measures proposed and Mr McDiarmid called for a guarantee that all possible action would be taken to protect the other wildlife present, including red squirrels, otters and herons.
He said: “I really need some sort of cast iron assurance that we are going to throw everything we can at protecting them.”
The full road will lead to and from the St Andrews West strategic development area, where it is proposed 1,100 new homes will be built.
Fife Council submitted a planning application in February for the new school which it is hoped will open in the 2020/21 academic year.
