New motorhome and camping site given the go-ahead to meet demand

Plans for a new motorhome and camping site near Dunoon in Argyll and Bute have been given the go-ahead by National Park planning chiefs.

The proposals for the site at land north of Lamont Lodges, in Rashfield, were made last year by David Crowe and were awarded permission for a change of land this week.

No comments were received by Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority planning officers, either in support or objection.

The plans also include the siting of a new amenity building, and the formation of a new access route.

A park authority planning officer said: “Consideration has to be given to the visual/landscape impact of the proposed motorhome stances and amenity building. The site is currently fairly well screened from the adjacent public road, the A815.

“Trees and shrubs will however require to be removed to accommodate the motorhome stances and amenity building as well as to form the access and maintain visibility standards at the access.

“The removal of trees and vegetation will increase the visual prominence of the site.

“A landscaping plan has been submitted and this addresses any landscape/visual impacts through appropriate planting within the site, including reducing the number of pitches as originally proposed to ensure adequate planting can take place.

“Overall the development would respect the existing landscape character and the development raises no landscape or visual concerns.”

The officer added: “The motorhome stances would be sufficiently spaced out within the site, following the negotiated removal of a number of pitches, and the development raises no amenity issues.

“The amenity building would be constructed in timber and have a metal roof and has been been designed to harmonise with the locality.

“In conclusion, the principle of the development is supported by the Local Development Plan and Park Partnership Plan as it would improve the range of visitor facilities and specifically provide facilities for motorhomes within an area of the National Park where the demand for such facilities is not currently being met.

“Subject to conditions, the proposal will enable ancient woodland plantation to be restored.

“The proposal raises no landscape or amenity issues and overall the development would be consistent with the aims of the park and deliver a development that will provide a high quality visitor experience whilst protecting the natural heritage of the area.”

By local democracy reporter Andrew Galloway