Planning

Perhaps the biggest threat to the character of the town is the depletion of green space and skyline by unrestricted commercial development on its outskirts and the erection of visually inappropriate buildings. The Trust's planning committee reviews all planning applications for new developments, endeavouring to influence their scale and design appropriately. It works closely with the Fife Council and Historic Scotland to promote good building practice within the town.

Over the last ten years, the Trust has fervently supported a Green Belt around St Andrews, which it considers essential to protect not only the town's unique character but also its landscape setting.

To achieve this, the Trust helped to put in place the St Andrews Green Belt Forum composed of many organisations within the town.