Madras Plans Challenged

The argument behind a legal challenge to block a new Fife school has been described as 'bewildering' by the Liberal Democrats.

Three former teachers have taken their fight against a new Madras College going ahead at Pipeland to the Court of Session.

The group, St Andrews Environmental Protection Trust (STEPAL), claim Councillors placed too much emphasis on educational needs and not planning rules.

Liberal Democrat leader in Fife, Councillor Brett said:

"We had a very useful meeting with two of the Council's senior solicitors and they explained to us the timetable for the review. It should be noted that arrangements have now  been made for the review to be held in mid December but it could well be towards the end of March before any decision is made public. Even at that point, there is a possibility of a further appeal should STEPAL decide to go down that route."

Cllr Taylor added:

"I know that parents and children who have been waiting anxiously for news of the new school will be very disappointed at this latest delay. Both Cllr Brett and I have been working for many years to try and achieve a new school for the children in the Madras catchment area. This whole process has taken far too long and must be having an adverse effect on the education of our children."

Cllr Brett explained that it would appear that the grounds for the judicial review are based upon:-

a. the view that the North Haugh would have been a better site for the school. Arguments for this have of course been well aired and;

b. that too much weight was placed upon 'educational reasons' rather than planning ones when the decision was taken.

Cllr Brett further said:

"It is ironic that the three ex-teachers of Madras should be arguing that too much weight was placed on educational grounds given that they and everyone else acknowledge that the present facilities at both Kilrymont and South Street are sub-standard and, as we know, were severely criticised by HM Inspectors many years ago."

Cllrs Taylor and Brett concluded by saying:

"We hope that this process can be completed as quickly as possible so that progress can then be made on this much-needed new facility for children in this part of North East Fife."