First Scot Limited are seeking planning permission in principle for what is described as a retirement hamlet on the site of the former Grange House just off Grange Road (see aerial view above). The 46 retirement homes are to be built across a mix of nine, two and two-and-a-half storey blocks on land next to proposed new university accommodation. The higher blocks are to be located at the northern end of the site close to the St Andrews University housing, while the smaller blocks will be spread out in the southern part of the site.
The proposed university village to the north of the site is subject to a planning application for the erection of 61 properties for use by postgraduates, staff and their families is pending determination.
The plans for the Grange House site include a multi-purpose communal pavilion, patio and bowling green will be created, with the pavilion acting as a social space for residents complete with food service and shop. A separate cycle path, car parking and a sustainable drainage system have been included.
Pre-application consultation with local people has been carried out prior to submission of the developers’ application. A representative of First Scot commented: “It became clear from the public consultation that the desire locally is to see a high quality end development. “The development has been designed to give the sense of openness, with green areas and trees as prominent aspects.”
The site was previously occupied by Grange House set in extensive grounds with a pond, paddocks, walled and formal gardens, along with various outbuildings. The buildings has lain abandoned for many years and was targeted by vandals, both inside and out. The house was demolished in February 2017, on the advice of Police Scotland and Fife Council on safety grounds.
