Planning for the Future
South Street Consultation
The Planning Comittee recently responded to the south street consultation. To view the Trust’s response click here (opens in a new tab)
How we strive to protect the amenity and character of the City of St Andrews
The Trust’s Planning Committee meets fortnightly to discuss the Weekly Lists of all planning applications to Fife Council. Each application concerning the St Andrews Central Conservation Area and the Hepburn Garden area is considered in the context of meeting the requirements of the Development Plan, St Andrews Design Guidelines and the Conservation Area Appraisals.
The Trust wants to see all applications for Shop fronts and their signage comply with Guidelines contained within the St Andrews Guidelines. We want the shop fronts to respect the historic town-scape and retain features such as use of cast iron pillars or mosaic door entries.
The Planning Committee considers all domestic applications within the Conservation Area to be sure they are in keeping with the above guidance. The Committee welcomes contemporary designs and, if they enhance the building in question and the Conservation Area, we may not comment. Indeed if the quality of the design is of an exceptional standard we will make our support known to Fife Council.
There will be occasions when advice is needed from Consultants. The Development Plan and Major Applications are cases when extra assistance and advice is sought.
Preservation Through Education
The Trust strives to preserve the history of St Andrews not only via the planning committee, but also with publications around even the most niche of topics about St Andrews.
Our publications are available for sale at the Museum on 12 North Street or click the button below to browse our shop. We also offer selected publications to our members for free!
Our preservation efforts have ensured that historic buildings, such as the Kenly Green Doocot at Boarhills, remain standing for future generations to enjoy.
This classic feature of Scotland acted as a pigeon-house, which provided shelter for the birds from the weather and predators, and provided food for the landowners.
Since 1937 we have striven to protect St Andrews from unnecessary destruction of historic buildings. In 1944 the Trust was instrumental in preventing a 60ft wide road being built along South Castle Street, Abbey Street and Abbey Walk, which would have obliterated some of the city’s oldest properties. Here you can see how the street looks today.
Since the Trust’s beginnings we have acquired many historical properties around St Andrews with the intent of maintaining them for the public’s benefit; it is with the help and cooperation of the people of St Andrews that we continue to perform this role in the city.
How You Can Help
All of our preservation efforts are possible because of the kind donations and volunteering of the public. If you’d like to help us preserve St Andrews’ past, then please consider donating or volunteering