Planning permission sought to build countryside holiday chalets

Plans for a development of countryside holiday lodges between Greenock and Inverkip have been lodged with Inverclyde Council.

The owners of the disused Cornalees Farm have applied to build 12 chalet-type properties between the original farm buildings and the adjacent Compensation Reservoir which they say will boast “spectacular views”.

It comes after consent was recently given for the conversion of the farmhouse and the redundant barns into homes.

With the site being in a prime location close to the likes of Ardgowan Trout Fishery and Greenock Cut Visitors Centre, the owners are hoping the development will provide attractive accommodation for people taking part in leisure activities nearby.

And agents Nicolson McShane Architects have said visitors will be able to enjoy beautiful views of Dunrod Hill to the north.

If the proposals are given the green light, each single-storey lodge will have two to three bedrooms.

“Our proposal is for the erection of a small-scale tourism and leisure-orientated development of around 12 chalet-type holiday lodges,” said Nicolson McShane Architects in a design statement.

“Location is key to the proposal; it will contribute to and draw from nearby leisure activities including fishing, walking, birdwatching, and simply relaxing in a beautiful spot.

“In addition, the unique topography of the site will allow spectacular views to Dunrod Hill to the north whilst giving shelter from prevailing south-westerly winds.

“In drawing holidaymakers to Inverclyde and encouraging local people to holiday close to home, the proposal will provide a welcome long-term benefit to the local economy.

“In addition, local companies will benefit at the planning and construction stage.”

The lodges will be located close to the reservoir which the architects say will allow them to sit low in the landscape to minimise their visual impact.

The properties will be designed in an energy-efficient manner with enhanced environmental standards, and they will all have “green” roofs designed to make the development discreet and encourage biodiversity.

A single-track road with passing places will provide access to the lodges and each building will have two parking spaces.

According to the design statement, there will also be an administration building developed for the servicing of the lodges.

Planning chiefs will make a decision on whether to approve the application in the coming weeks.

Residents are welcome to make comments by clicking here and searching reference number 21/0333/IC.

By local democracy reporter Steph Brawn