Controversial plans for new golf course near St Andrews approved

Plans to build a major new golf resort near St Andrews have been given the green light. 

The American firm Alvarez & Marsal have been given the go-ahead by councillors for a multimillion-pound facility to be built at Feddinch Mains following a recommendation from planning officials.

The Feddinch Mains site has been earmarked as a golf course destination for over two decades, but Alvarez & Marsal have now got their way after having three different planning applications approved.

The consulting firm’s “site-wide masterplan” includes an 18-hole golf course, a short par-3 course, practice grounds and a 250-metre long clubhouse.

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They have also been given unanimous approval to build a golfers’ hotel, restaurant and six detached guest cottages adjacent to the golf course. Work is now ongoing to create the resort after the Feddinch Mains site remained derelict for over 20 years.

“We are delighted Fife Council’s North East Planning Committee has approved our application for a new golf course on the outskirts of St Andrews,” said Tyler J Kirsch, managing director of Alvarez and Marsal Golf.

“Following extensive consultation with Fife Council, the local community and other key stakeholders, this approval is a major milestone in regenerating a site that has remained undeveloped for 20 years.

“We are confident our project will bring lasting benefits to the local community, and we remain committed to ongoing engagement as it progresses.”

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The development comes despite significant backlash when the proposals were first made last September.

Feddinch residents told The Courier that the St Andrews proposal has ‘no benefit’ to locals and infringes green belt rules. 

“It is not a hotel and golf club that will be accessible to the Scottish public,” one local said. “It’s a private members only club on a gated site. Once again, we’re selling off chunks of St Andrews so that overseas businessmen can profit with no benefit to locals. 

“Residents at Feddinch are not nimbys. They are very much in favour of a golf course – but they want it done in a way that is sympathetic.” 

Owners Alvarez and Marshal purchased the site from Dundee United owner Mark Ogren for £7million in July 2022. Councillors have warned the project will be a huge undertaking.

“It has always been, and continues to be, our intention that this development will provide significant benefits to St Andrews and surrounding areas through increased investment and job creation,” the firm told residents last year.

“We are maintaining open engagement throughout the planning process and beyond.”

Ben Parsons joined bunkered as a Content Producer in 2023 and is the man to come to for all of the latest news, across both the professional and amateur games. Formerly of The Mirror and Press Association, he is a member at Halifax Golf Club and is a long-suffering fan of both Manchester United and the Wales rugby team.