“The western extension is the most logical and informed area to extend the historic centre of St Andrews using types of spaces and streets that will connect into the existing fabric of the town. This is the best connected area closest to the historic core that can be developed to create a coherent settlement.”
St Andrews must expand.
St Andrews is one of the most vibrant and successful towns in Scotland. Numerous plans for Fife and St Andrews have established the principle of accommodating growth of the university and provision of new homes for residents.
The approved Structure Plan clearly states that:
“ the strategy is to realise the potential of St Andrews as an economic driver for the whole of Fife in terms of academic development and tourism… This strategy has significant implications for land use and expansion of the town and has to be balanced with the need to protect its landscape setting”.
A 30 year strategic development framework sets out the agreed principles of growth. This has been taken on board by the emerging local plan covering the period 2006 – 2026.
The allocations are as follows
(20 yr timeframe)
• 1000 new homes (+ a possible extra 90)
• 10ha Science/University uses
• 5ha business park
• 5ha employment integrated with development
• Hotel and local retail
• Community and social infrastructure
• New secondary and primary schools
Examples of other sustainable urban extensions in the UK
Upton in Northampton
A sustainable urban extension of 1,000 homes produced by a number of developers working with a well defined masterplan and design codes. It has created a series of distinct neighbourhoods with excellent connections to the wider landscape.
New Hall in Harlow
A new urban extension that creates a network of permeable streets with a range of densities, types and tenures that has been carefully designed to reduce car dependency. It includes a neighbourhood centre for local services.
“The most successful places, the ones that flourish socially and economically, tend to have certain qualities in common. First, they have a distinct identity. Second, their spaces are safe and pleasant. Third, they are easy to move around, especially on foot. Fourth, visitors feel a sense of welcome.”
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