A patch of land at the head of the Gareloch which has been cleared and with trees felled could soon be given new protection by planners.
There has been widespread speculation on social media about the site at the head of the McAulay Burn, with undergrowth being cleared and oak trees cut down.
Cllr George Freeman, who lives in Garelochhead, said residents had contacted him about the area beside the McAulay Burn, with some raising concerns about tree being felled while others saw most of the work there in recent months as improving the site.
He said Argyll and Bute planners had confirmed there was no restriction on trees being removed as a tree preservation order was not in place and it is not in a conservation area.
“The site has a long history going back to the Dumbarton District Council days, when the previous owner tried to obtain planning permission to build houses on the site which was rejected,” he said.
“My understanding is that the previous owner also approached Argyll and Bute Council to investigate trying to get planning permission for the site but received a negative response from the council.
“The land has changed hands recently and the new owner has carried out work to improve public access to the site which most folk have welcomed.
“It is the removal of the trees on that part of the site adjacent to the B872 that has raised concerns with a couple of my constituents.”
He added that the land was currently designated as an Area For Action in Argyll and Bute’s Local Development Plan, which details the uses as ‘enhance recreation and open space’.
“This listing would not normally support any housing development on the site,” he added.
“The proposed new Local Development Plan is now out for public consultation and it is now being proposed that the site in question is listed as a proposed ‘Open Space Protection Area’.
“If this listing remains in the new Local Development Plan when it is eventually adopted by the council, this will clearly limit any possible development on the site.
“This has helped to reassure those constituents who have raised concerns with me.”
Full details of the proposed new Local Development Plan are available on Argyll and Bute’s website.
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