St Andrews QV has obtained a copy of a letter letter from the Chairman of the Confederation of St Andrews Residents’ Associations, David Middleton, to councillors on the NE Fife Planning Committee ahead of it’s meeting on Wednesday (18th) at which several planning applications for permanen buildouts are to be considered.
Mr Middleton writes:
‘Dear Councillor
The Confederation of St Andrews Residents’ Associations (CSARA) generally supportive of making facilities for people to eat and drink outdoors in St Andrews. The problem with the present scheme to be considered by the North East Fife Planning Committee on 12th February is that it is completely inappropriate for our historic town.’
‘Outdoor seating areas next to a cafe or pub building have been ruled out as they require pedestrians to navigate round them. But the proposed scheme which separates the sitting out areas from the building will cause waiting staff to cross busy pavements carrying food and drink. The safety issues arising from this have not been assessed. As some visually impaired pedestrians or wheel chair users may be at particular risk, the absence of an assessment of their needs fails to meet statutory requirements.’
‘In a historic town Like St Andrews it is important that the outdoor seating areas blend in with the built environment, but but the variety of tables and chairs and a whole range of enclosures- for instance barrels and tents, produce a higgledy-piggledy set of obstructions in the urban landscape. None of these arrangements will be affected by the the proposal before the planning committee. ‘
‘Other towns require all outdoor furniture to be removed when the business is closed. Not so in St Andrews. Most able and chairs generally stay in place throughout the year and in all weathers and few people want to sit out. There is no provision in the planning report for the management or enforcement of standards in these areas. Maintenance is not mentioned and a council so cash strapped that it cannot fill in potholes is likely to give priority to hazards (such as loose paving stones) which already exist) in the town centre. ‘
‘Some houses in the town centre will have outdoor pubs and cafes on their doorstep, making residential amenity a thing of the past. In most continental towns outdoor cafes etc., are almost entirely confined to squares and piazza’s where they can be accommodated without conflicts. Publicans and cafe’ owners should not be able to extend their premises and increase their income at public expense.
Much more work needs to be done in order to design a outdoor hospitality area fitting for our historic town. The proposed scheme does not meet the high standard required.
David Middleton St Andrews 9th February, 2025
The planning applications to be considered on the 12th February can be viwed in the Fife Council Planning Portal
