ROYAL BURGH OF ST. ANDREWS COMMUNITY COUNCIL
There will be a Monthly Meeting on Monday 1st December, 1997, in the Council Chamber of the Town Hall at 7 p.m.
AGENDA
1. Apologies
2. Submissions from members of the public.
3. Minutes of the Council Meeting of 3rd November, 1997.
4. Matters arising
(a) Drinking in Public Places
A letter has been received from the Scottish office confirming that the local byelaws come into effect on November 24th.
(b) Hospital Site
A letter has been received from the Fife Health Board which is non-committal about the site. An acknowledgement has also been received from the Scottish office.
(c) Housing Sites
The Fife Council has sent an acknowledgement to our letter.
(d) Local Office
The Locality Manager has sent an account of the role and activities of the office.
5. Correspondence:-
(a) Open Meeting with Community Groups
Fife Council is holding several meetings of which one will be at the Town Hall at 6.30 p.m. on 8th December.
(b) Local Radio
Kingdom Radio, which is applying for the franchise for a Fife radio station, is appealing for support.
(c) Joint Community Care Plan
A copy has been received.
(d) Sheltered Housing Review.
Fife Council has sent a copy.
(e) Fife Rural Partnership Strategic Plan
A copy has been received.
(f) Forth Estuary
Forum Project on Coastal litter. A letter has been received describing this project.
(g) East Fife Environmental Health News
A copy has been received.
(h) Rural Forum
The Annual Report has been received.
6. Matters raised by Committees, etc.,
7. Matters raised by Fife Councillors.
8. Other matters of public concern.
ROYAL BURGH OF ST ANDREWS COMMUNITY COUNCIL
Monthly Meeting 1st December 1997
MINUTES
Present Mr. Macgregor (Chairman), Mrs. Carleton, Mrs. Cassells, Mr. Crichton, Mr. Fraser, Dr. Goudie, Mr. Lindsay, Mr. D. Macdonald, Mr. M. Macdonald, Mrs. Mackenzie, Mr. MacMillan, Mr. Muir, Mrs. Murray, Mr. Paterson, Mr. Risk, Mr. Sangster, Mr. Stewart, Mr. Strachan, and Mrs. Tero. Student Representative Mr. P. Corrigan and Councillors Cassells, Hill, Liston and Melville.
1. Apologies Mrs. Stewart-Meiklejohn and Dr. Riddell.
2 Submissions from members of the public
Mr. C. Smart spoke to the Council outlining an incident which took place at his parents' home in Shoolbraids which adjoins Shoolbraids play area. He requested Fife Council to take on board some of his suggestions when they next plan improvements or alterations to the play area.
3. Minutes of the Council Meeting of 3rd November, 1997
Item 6, line 10, replace the name of "Dr. Goudie" with "Mr. Cassells".
With this amendment the Minute was accepted.
4. Matters arising
(a) Drinking in Public Places
Re the legality of drinking at tables outside premises in public places - Mrs. Melville advised that this was illegal but that separate licenses could be applied for to allow public drinking at tables outside licensed premises.
(b) Hospital Site
A third letter had been received. Fife Planning Department has sent us a letter on this subject and it is equally non- committal. Passed to Planning Committee.
(c) Housing Sites Fife Council
letter passed to Planning Committee.
(d) Local Office
Mr. Strachan reported that the cabinet for Community Council use was now at the Local Office. There was little or no chance of Fife Council supplying us with a word processor or computer.
Ms. Liston advised that Community Council Committees who wished to book the Local Office for meetings should contact either Jan or Jennifer and if possible make block bookings.
(e) Youth Committee (see separate sheet).
Mr. Strachan thanked Mr. M. Macdonald and Mrs. Cassells for coming to the meetings and stated that Mr. P. Lindsay was also willing to attend meetings. Mr. Owen Greene was elected Chairman and Miss Linsay Buntir elected Secretary. It was hoped that the next meeting would take place later in December. The Council supported the suggestion that a survey of young people's needs be carried out by the Youth Committee.
(f) Page 1, item 2, para. 2.
It was noted that John Knox Road housing planning application before Fife Council had not been raised yet.
5. Correspondence
(a) Open meeting with Community Groups
A meeting, chaired by Mr. Cassells, inviting public comment on next year's Fife Council budget and other matters will take place at the Town Hall on 8th December at 6.30 p.m.
(b) Local Radio
A letter was tabled from a group requesting Council support for the granting of the franchise to them. It was agreed that we did not have enough knowledge of the subject.
(c) Joint Community Care
Plan Passed to the Welfare Committee.
(d) Sheltered Housing Review.
Passed to Planning Committee(e)
(e) Fife Rural Partnership Strategic Plan
Passed to Planning Committee.
(f) East Fife Environmental Health News
Passed to Welfare Committee.
(g) Rural Forum Annual Report
Passed to Recreation and Leisure Committee.
(h) Fife Council Community Council Group
A communication re 'Good Practice Agreement' was tabled requesting a representative to meetings which will be held in March and April. It was agreed that we should be represented and Mr. Macgregor agreed to attend if possible in order to state our case for allowing Student representatives voting rights on community councils. The questionnaire, to be returned in February, was to be passed to the Finance and General Purposes Committee for completion.
(i) Provisional Proposals for electoral wards
Passed to Planning Committee and thereafter to go to Finance and General Purposes Committee further discussion.
(j) Fife Flood Prevention Report 1997
(k) East Fife Area Water Consumers Council
A meeting is to take place at Grangemouth.
6. Matters raised by Committees
Planning Committee (See separate sheets)
Item 1 (i), (ii) and (iii) all noted.
Item 2 - noted.
Item 3 - noted.
Item 4 - noted.
Item 5 - The Preservation Trust would like the Community Council to be represented on the Green Belt Steering Committee - this would need to be looked at in further detail.
Response to Cycling Proposals.
Mrs. Murray circulated papers detailing comments on Fife Council Cycling proposals and commented on the concerns re two way cycling on one way streets. It was agreed that the comments were well set down and are to be forwarded to Fife Council.
Re Transportation Plan:
A letter is to be written to Mr. Alan Bayne, Head of Transportation, asking him to inform us of measures to be taken in St. Andrews and their order of implementation, and also asking him for a map of the proposed cycle route through St. Andrews.
Recreation & Leisure Committee
In Mrs. Stewart-Meiklejohn's absence and on her behalf Mrs. Tero congratulated Mr. Muir on his organisation of the Council's St. Andrew's Day exhibition in the Council Chamber and sincerely thanked Mr. Gordon Christie for all his hard work in setting up such an excellent display.
Mr. Muir reported that approximately 35 people attended the exhibition. He was pleased to see the continuing practice of the Council Chamber being used by the Community Council on St. Andrews Day and requested the Council send a letter of thanks to Mr. Christie and to Dr. Marianne Gilchrist for her detailed information on the portraits in the building.
Mrs. Stewart-Meiklejohn also requested that the Council 'mull over' two proposals
(1) That nominations be requested for an adult 'Citizen of the Year' in conjunction with the present 'Young Citizen of the Year' award. If the Council agreed to her proposal she would be willing to gift a presentation trophy.
(2) That the Council set up a sub-committee early in the New Year to work towards Community Council contributions for St. Andrew's Week 1998. It was agreed these items should be discussed at the January meeting.
Recreation and Leisure meeting 7 p.m. Tuesday 2nd December at 6 Howard Place.
Welfare Committee
Senior Citizens' Christmas Party to be held in Students' Union on Tuesday 16th December, 4 to 6 p.m. Mr. Paterson requested members to advise him of names and addresses or any person who might have not received an invitation. Billy Anderson and his Band will provide entertainment
7. Matters raised by Fife Councillors
Mrs Melville
voiced her concern at the application for temporary geophysic laboratory accommodation at the Purdie Building of the University.
The proposed cycle paths would have to be carefully monitored for safety.
Mr. Cassells
An order is to be placed for the reinstatement of pavements at the Eastern Cemetery and War Memorial to be in Caithness slab.
The Community Council Trust previously donated a seat for the harbour area. This seat has been badly vandalised and needs to be replaced. He requested the Trust consider replacing the seat now or at the time of the harbour re-generation.
Strategic Study has now come to Fife Councillors - report going to committee. Mr. Cassells stressed the value of considering this at consultation stage.
Ms Liston
There will not be a local public meeting on transportation.
The skateboard ramp is now sited at Bowling Green play area and is being used.
Council Rent Level Meetings with Tenants' Associations. Tenants meetings will be held in Dunfermline and Glenrothes there are no longer any Tenants' Associations in Cupar or St. Andrews.
Ms. Liston proposed that the Community Council invite Radio 4, 'Any Questions' to stage a programme in St. Andrews on the last Friday in November. It was agreed that the Secretary write to Radio 4 with such a request.
Mrs Hill
re Cycle Routes signposting. These routes should be fully checked before opening to public in the Spring.
A new Right of Way sign has been placed at Pipeland Farm. It was noted that signs at Lumbo Den and Craigtoun require replacing. Trees removed at Balrymonth Court are being replaced by more suitable trees.
Mr. Corrigan invited Council members to a meeting with Sir Ron Dearing who will be speaking to students on the 'Dearing Report'. The event will take place in Lower College Hall.
Report of the PLANNING COMMITTEE Meetings of 10.11.97, 13.11.97 and 24.11.97
for the Conmmunity Council Meeting of 1 December 1997.
1. Planning Applications.
(i) Proposed redevelopment of Central Motors site.
The reduction in the height of the proposed flats was welcomed. but Mr Crichton agreed to submit an objection to some remaining unsatisfactory aspects of the plans. These included the proposed balcony on the South Street frontage, the inadequacy of the number of parking spaces, and the monotony of the gable ends on the western side of the flats. We are also seeking an arched entrance to the pend, a reconstituted stone finish rather than harling, and the adoption of crow- step gables.
(ii) Outside dining area, Central Bar.
Mr Crichton agreed to reiterate our usual concerns on the area to he occupied, etc.
(iii) Replacement windows, 1 Whitehill Terrace.
Earlier comments on similar work elsewhere on this terrace will he resubmitted by Mr ( nichton.
2. Proposed development, Craigtoun Road.
While continuing to support the granting of outline permission for this development, it was nonetheless agreed to submit a list of the conditions which we believe should be imposed on such a consent. It was also agreed that we should express our dissatisfaction with the documentation that has been submitted to support the application for detailed planning permission. As well as a number of aspects that clearly fail to comply with the design brief for the site, there are other important aspects on which no information is provided at all.
3. Integrated Transport Policy.
Mrs Murray has submitted comments on the importance of establishing a railway station at Edinburgh Airport.
4. Tourism.
In considering the latest consultants' report, the committee noted that attempts to extend the tourist season into the "shoulder months" had been going on for many years, albeit with inadequate funding. Nonetheless it was agreed that there is scope for extending the season, particularly for specialist holidays aimed at bridge players, theatre-goers. etc. In connection with the proposal for a townscape master plan, the committee stressed the need to avoid any unnecessary imposition of uniformity. A detailed submission has been made by Mrs Murray.
5. Green Belt.
Mrs Murray, Mr Crichton and Dr Goudie attended the forum organised by the Peservation Trust. A steering committee has been set up, and representation from the Community Council is sought. The Planning Committee will need to consider the matter further, since, while we remain supportive of the general concept. we have some unease about the details of the Trust's proposal.
Response to Cycling Proposals
Overview
The Cyclepath Subcommittee of the Community Council has provided below its assessment of how the residents of the town will react to the proposals currently on the table. We are, however, conscious that these proposals do not cover many of the routes which are of primary concern to local residents, and many of the ideas contained in the proposals are driven much more by the perceived needs of tourists and the need to meet the requirements of the Lottery funding than by the needs of the local community. The approach that the Fife Council has taken mirrors the attitude it displayed earlier in the year in connection with the proposed cycle route to Leuchars. On that occasion, the route proposed by Sustrans, which had the backing of the local community, was ditched for the foreseeable future in favour of a route chosen to satisfy the desires of those outwith the town.
The subcommittee found it difficult to evaluate some of the proposals since the plans provided were, for the most part, specific to particular junctions rather than indicating the continuous routes which are needed if cycling provision is to be successful. We understand that the complete intended route through the town of the Kingdom of Fife Cycle Route has now been determined, but no attempt appears to have been made to secure the acceptance of the town for this route as a whole. Those who attended the exhibitions in the summer can only recall isolated sections being declared at that stage.
The Community Council sees a continuing need for a detailed project looking at the possibilities for dedicated cyclepaths in the town. We remain unconvinced that roads in St Andrews are sufficiently wide that adequate provision for cyclists can be achieved simply by painting a line on the edge of the carriageway. The Ross Silcock report noted that for mandatory cycle lanes, the remaining carriageway (not including the cycle lanes) "should be sufficiently wide for motor vehicles to pass each other safely; usually 7.3 metres". We recall that this report concluded that, in view of the available road widths, only advisory lanes are possible in St Andrews. We believe that merely designating parts of roads in this way is unlikely to induce many more people to use cycles, and, in so far as it creates an unwarranted sense of security, is a potentially dangerous approach.
Comments on the detailed proposal diagrams.
1. Petheram Bridge roundabout
The Community Council remains of the opinion that it is the duty of Fife Council to replace Petheram Bridge itself. Particularly for child cyclists wishing to access Madras playing fields, a bridge is a much safer option than the cycle crossings envisaged in this proposal, which the bridge would render largely unnecessary. We would not wish to see expenditure on these cycle crossings advanced as yet another excuse for delaying the replacement of the bridge.
2. Contraflow cycle lane on The Links.
The motivation for this lane appears to be for use as part of the Kingdom of Fife route. From the perspective of the town, the proposal appears largely irrelevant. "It probably won't do any harm" was the reaction of the Cyclepath Subcommittee, but it was not felt to be a wise way in which to spend money.
3. Contraflow cycle lane on The Scores between Golf Place and Murray Place.
The Subcommittee could see some merit in this proposal, but believes it is safer to have the cycle lane inside the row of parked cars. A modest amount of engineering could yield useful dividends here, since part of the grassed bank could be removed, perhaps with the cycle lane at an intermediate level between the road and the pavement.
10. Viaduct Walk - improved access at southern end.
This suggestion was one of the two aspects of the Ross-Silcock study that we were able to welcome, and we are pleased to see that it has not been shelved. Nonetheless it is still pertinent to ask whether the proposed amelioration of the gradient is sufficient to achieve its intended goal. We can see distinct advantages in removing rather more of the bank of the Botanical Garden, and extending the ramp further west. The shallower the eventual gradient the more inclined cyclists will be to use Viaduct Walk, and the danger of young cyclists shooting down it at speed will also be reduced. Similar work on reducing the gradient will also be needed at the northern end of Viaduct Walk to give easier access to Argyle Street.
11. Largo Road - Safeway roundabout.
We see this proposal as ineffective since we judge that few cyclists will bother to go up the hill past the roundabout to use the proposed red surfaced area to cross. The subcommittee welcomes the provision of a zebra crossing opposite the path to Balrymonth Court, and would suggest that, if the agreement of local residents is forthcoming, cyclists heading from town to John Knox Road use this crossing and then proceed via the path to Balrymonth Court. This would imply the removal of the existing "No Cycling" sign. Alternatively, a cycleway could be made from this zebra crossing around the northern (i.e. the lower) side of the roundabout, and a second zebra crossing be installed across John Knox Road. Whatever approach is taken to cyclists at this junction, this second zebra crossing is needed at this location on general road safety grounds.
12. Link from Roundhill Road to Lamond Drive.
On previous occasions when this proposal has appeared, we have argued that this pathway is too narrow for shared cycle/pedestrian use. Despite the new suggestion of realigning the wall at the upper end of the path, this remains our view. The lower end of the path is still very narrow, and we believe, in particular, that mothers with prams picking up children at Langlands School would feel endangered. This proposal makes no major contribution to the cycling problems of the town, and would indeed prove counter-productive if it stirred up anti-cyclist sentiment in this area.
13. Access to Grange Road from St Mary Street.
Some cyclists heading for Grange Road from the town might find this useful, but they would need to dismount in order to cross the red surfaced area at the foot of the Crail Road. This would be unattractive to the more confident cyclist, and, as only the relatively enthusiastic cycle up Grange Road, this proposal is catering for a very limited market.
ST ANDREWS COMMUNITY COUNCIL RESPONSE TO THE ST ANDREWS TOURISM STRATEGY RECOMMENDATIONS prepared by the Tourism Resources Company
3.2 We agree that St Andrews is and should be a high quality "world class" destination.
The suggestion of filling the town in the shoulder months is not new. Conference trade in the shoulder months would have to be based on local hotels rather than the university or St Leonards School.
3.3 The Community Council Planning Committee has for some time been trying to implement as a matter of course (if not by name), a "city wide" townscape plan such as is proposed. We need the support of the planning authority to implement it.
We have always opposed stereotyped national shopfronts in plastic and have been successful in rejecting internally illuminated signs in particular. In implementing a new plan care would have to be taken not to create a new, rather "twee" stereotype, and a new negative uniformity. Street furniture has already been improved considerably.
The Community Council advocates consideration of a shuttle bus (ideally free) from outer perimeter car parks which could transport tourists to appropriate sites in the town in the summer and students between different university sites during term time.
The present cycle routes which have been created on busy country roads seem in many cases to be an invitation to dice with death. There are opportunities to create safe, off-road cycle paths for families in the environs of St Andrews and the Community Council's views on these are well documented (for example our backing for the Susstrans proposals for a cycle track to Leuchars). Safe cycle routes could enhance the local family holiday trade.
During the day, traffic frequently crawls round the town centre despite the 30 miles per hour limit! With the exception possibly of Market Street, it seems sensible to let drivers use their discretion as to their speed, depending on time of day and traffic conditions.
With respect to use of the gasometer area as a car park, the Community Council recommends that a working committee with wide representation be set up to make recommendations to rationalise car parking strategy for the harbour! East Sands area of town, and work out a master plan in light of all future developments, rather than let the present piecemeal provision continue. We consider this to be very high priority.
If the landscaping of "car parking at Golf Place" refers to the Bruce Embankment Car Park, we recommend speedy demolition and relocation of the toilet block which presently ruins most visitors' first, potentially spectacular view of the sea and West Sands area of St Andrews.
We have recommended that tourist buses enter St Andrews via City Road and St Mary's Place, and drop off passengers at the north end of Grey friars Garden before proceeding to the bus parking area at the West Sands. This keeps buses out of the town centre, orientates them correctly, and enables British or continental buses to drop off passengers at the pavement on the appropriate side, since Greyfriar's Garden is a one-way street. Greyfriars Garden is conveniently situated for both the town centre and the golf shops in the Golf Place area.
In addition to the recommendations given we would also add
Restoration of the St Andrews-Crail section of the coastal path - part of the previous tourism management plan. Were a "Bridge to Bridge"walk available from the Tay Bridge to the Forth Bridge, as was originally proposed, this could generate a new passing trade (in the same way as the West Highland Way).
Better policing of the town centre to avoid daytime/evening problems of loutish behaviour by locals (including Madras College pupils at lunchtime) and students.
3.4 We would like to have detailed written information about precisely what World Heritage status actually involves.
A) Hotel and Accommodation stock
There are a number of middle sized hotels in St Andrews at present which could possibly develop into conference centres. This would boost their trade rather than diminish it, and avoid the planning problems which would inevitably confront any new hotel building proposal on the town's precious "green belt". Finding a very large conference theatre is undoubtedly a problem during St Andrews University term time.
B) Townscape
There is a concern that illumination of buildings should not be carried too far, but appreciation that streets and lanes in the town centre could be lit more subtly and yet more effectively. The town should be lit entirely by soft white light. We deplore the recent incursion of orange sodium lighting into areas of the town (in some cases quite close to the centre).
The town is less tidy than it was. An awareness raising campaign is required in the schools and for the benefit of visitors, to prevent the current littering and the covering of pavements with chewing gum: extra money and time to tidy it up is not the only solution. Wheelie bins are not a welcome addition to the centre of town. Landscaping and planting should be approached with care. For example, attempts to "prettify" with planting the natural environment of the bents at the West Sands has been a costly and unpopular mistake.
C) The proposed new university Maritime Museum should provide a fresh focus/ attraction for the town.
The cultural links between St Andrews and Loches in the Touraine area of France could provide some ideas for the living history project, street fairs and markets.
Special senior citizens weekends or mid-week breaks could be developed. These could have a special focus, eg on bridge.
The Byre Theatre could be encouraged to base its programme on the Pitlochry model, enacting a different play to full houses each night. This might encourage visitors to extend their stays for several nights.
There is rivalry between different tourist destinations in Fife. It could be productive for representatives from different areas to come together to plan a Fife wide tourist trail eg royal and religious heritage.
There is a feeling that we now have enough signage and possibly existing signs should be modified rather than creating more.
E) The East Sands should aim for Blue Flag status, as well as the West Sands. This partly depends on sewage treatment. Standards of water quality demanded in the future are likely to rise. We would like to see St Andrews set an example by installing a state of the art treatment plant for the benefit of holidaymakers the length of the coastline.
F) Again we feel that St Andrews has something to learn in terms of tourist publications from the alliance with Loches in France.
G) We were unsure as to how golf facilities and access for juniors and women were to be improved?
H) The establishment of a university course in golf studies is an excellent suggestion. There are very few (if any) high level university courses in golf science or golf management in the UK, and establishing a course at post-graduate or undergraduate level at St Andrews university could attract high quality students - many from overseas - reinforcing the town's image of golfing excellence.
The university already has sports science and management options, specific expertise in the shape of the R&A and the Links Trust nearby, and the Scottish National Coaching Centre at Drumoig to call upon. In addition the World Scientific Congress of Golf Trust which has close connections with the university, is based in town, and will hold a conference next year.
Student numbers may be affected adversely by new government student funding arrangements.
3.5 The sewerage treatment facilities have already been mentioned (3.4E).
The Community Council is strongly opposed to a relief road built round the southern green fringe ofthetown. We do not see it as a necessity since most traffic comes to St Andrews as its final destination We believe that such a development would cause irretrievable damage to the town
We would like to see a rail halt built at Edinburgh Airport (the existing railway line skirts the main runway) so that airport passengers could make a rail connection north with ease, also alleviating some of the strain on the Forth Road Bridge. The Community Council is currently advocating a feasibility study into the re-establishment of a rail link between Leuchars and St Andrews and understands that such a study is to take place next year. If this proves to be feasible, its realisation is likely to take time. Meanwhile approaches could be made to the local rail operators such as GNER with a view to through ticketing to St Andrews by means of dedicated public transport links. This service would have the virtue of being flexible, cheap and constantly available to meet every train.
3.8 Funding seems to be the crucial element of any plans.
While recognising the importance of the university to the community, we do not agree that the university should have more direct active involvement with the TMP. The aims of the university are different from the aims of the TMP, and the university operates in direct opposition to the hoteliers as a summer tour operator. The present balance, with no single organisation dominating, should continue.
The present TMP lead officer has set high standards in consulting local bodies before implementing change, and we would like to see this continue.