OUR CONSULTATION

In July, Knightsbridge held a public exhibition over the course of two days at St Nicholas Lodge House, Abbey Walk. The purpose of the exhibitions was to provide detailed information on the various aspects of the scheme and to speak to the residents of St Andrews. The event attracted a lot of interest with around 120 members of the public attending over the two days.

80%; of the survey sample specified that Abbey Park was a suitable location for housing development in St Andrews.

Two-thirds of the respondents (65.7%) specified that St Andrews was in need of more housing, with affordable housing being most frequently cited as a higher priority, followed by family housing.

Over half of survey respondents (54.3%) specified that they were in overall support of Knightsbridge's proposed Abbey Park Development. 25.7% were not in support and 20% were undecided.

It was a great opportunity for the team at Knightsbridge to understand the views of local residents on the plans. Some significant adjustments to the development proposals have been made as a direct result of the public consultation process. These include:

• The Sandys Court: The block closest to Greenside Court has been reduced in height following discussions with residents from Greenside Court and the concerns of over shadowing. Changes will also be made to window formations and materials.


• Walled Garden: The blocks within this area have been reduced in height as far as possible and alterations have been made with regards to the proposed materials within this area. This will allow the character of St Andrews to be maintained in the area. The large window to the stairwell has also been removed and replaced with smaller windows as highlighted by the St Andrews Preservation Trust.


• Playing Fields: Slight modifications were made to the Townhouses. These included changing garage door types and window formations.


• Curved flatted block: The flat roof element was removed along with the modern palette of materials that had been proposed. These have been replaced with a pitch roof, again in keeping with surrounding area, and the materials are more traditional. The window formations have also been modified, due to the alteration of the roof line.


• The block facing Kilrymont House has now been removed, as concerns were expressed about the potential loss of an open aspect.

Knightsbridge submitted its planning application for phase two of its Abbey Park Masterplan to Fife Council on 27th August 2010. You can view the on-line application here. You have an opportunity to make representations to the Council directly as Knightsbridge has submitted its planning application. The reference number for the planning application is Ref: 10/03316/FUL. The deadline for presenting your views to the Council is early October.

For further information contact our community information line on 0131 220 0171 or email caroline.trainer@invictapa.co.uk