Fife Council won't appeal court decision on St Andrews school
Council say planning application still 'live'
Fife Council say the local authority won’t appeal a recent legal decision on a new Madras College, but they insist the planning application for the Pipelands site remains ‘live’.
The Supreme Court’s decision came following a legal challenge from local campaign group STEPAL.
In a statement released by the council, Pam Ewen, Senior Manager (Planning) said:
“We will now re-open and commence reconsideration of the application. As Planning Authority we firstly need to consider what new information the applicant will need to submit to allow reconsideration of this proposal. I anticipate that it will take us some time to go back through the original information submitted with the planning application before we can advise the applicant what is required.”
Council Leader David Ross said:
“I am adamant that the children of Madras deserve a new school which will meet all our aspirations. We will not be diverted from that aim.
“We have been advised that the planning application for the Pipelands site remains ‘live’ and the Council will have to consider how to take this forward. This will take time and will also be dependent on the progress of the Local Development Plan which is currently under consideration.
“Officers are currently working on proposals for improvements to the current buildings as a matter of urgency.”
Executive Director of Education and Children’s Services Craig Munro said;
“Madras college rightly enjoys an excellent reputation in the local community and wider field of education. We have a duty and a commitment to ensure that the children and young people learn in an environment which matches the quality of the learning and teaching.
“It’s important now for us to take the time to consider every possible way to achieve that aspiration.
“I will be writing to all pupils, parents and staff of Madras College to reassure them that we will continue to work towards our goals and that we will keep them informed of any developments.
“In the meantime we will begin a programme of improvements within the current buildings as soon as possible.”