Fairmont refused planning permission for multimillion-pound development

A five-star hotel in Scotland has been told by planners that it cannot go ahead with a multimillion expansion development.

Fairmont St Andrews, in St Andrews, managed by Canadian Fairmont Hotels and Resorts, had wanted to build 37 lodges in the grounds of the hotel.

As part of the development there would also have been a series of holiday apartments, a restaurant, a bistro and a spa pool.

Planners from Fife Council initially accepted the plan but now they have been over-ruled by the councillors concerned that the development did not fit with the golfing ethos of the town.

Councillors argued that the proposed development should be turned down on the grounds of inappropriate design, over-development, over provision of housing and impact on the landscape.

The councillors acted after receiving dozens of letters from locals objecting to the proposed development.

Those who defended the plan said that a line of trees would screen it from public view.

The 200-bedroom hotel, which is also a conference centre has its own golf course designed by championship golfer Sam Torrance.

Fairmont has so far given no indication as to whether it will appeal.

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By Andrew Smith

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