Plans for a new lodge and boathouse on the Loch Lomond island of Inchconnachan have been recommended for approval.
Concerns over the new development’s impact were raised by community councillors, while the Woodland Trust and seven members of the public objected.
But national park planning officials have supported the proposals for the island, which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and in a national scenic area, as well as a special protection area.
Wallabies were introduced to the island shortly after the second world war, and it is thought that several dozen still live there today.
The island is uninhabited but a new lodge is planned as short-stay holiday accommodation, together with a boathouse, operational base for an island warden and a connecting boardwalk.
A previous disused lodge building and boat shelter, originally used as holiday accommodation by the Colquhouns of Luss, fell into disrepair and were demolished after a fire last year.
But the new buildings would not be on the same ‘brown field’ site and would feature a boathouse-style building on stilts, projecting out onto the water, with a boat shelter at water level and upper floor accommodation for the proposed island warden to use in daytime.
Public bodies including NatureScot and SEPA had no objections, and there was one public comment in support.
But seven objectors raised concerns including visual impact, the loss of ancient woodland, increased visitor pressures and a potential cull of the wallabies.
The Woodland Trust objected to the direct loss of ancient woodland ‘as irreplaceable habitat for which loss cannot be mitigated’.
And Luss & Arden Community Council, though not objecting, raised issues including the need to protect ospreys and negative impact on the landscape by both the jetty and the boathouse.
Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority’s planning and access committee will be recommended on Monday December 12 to approve the plan subject to conditions.
A report by planning officials states that the proposal is seen as ‘small scale’ and accepts arguments why the ‘brown field’ site of the former buildings is ‘not advantageous’.
“The applicant’s case for a relocation of the lodge building presents a convincing case, particularly when considered alongside the positive restoration of the brownfield site as being an advantageous outcome for this part of the island,” it adds.
“With respect to views and visual amenity, although parts of the proposed development would be noticeable in close proximity from the water (particularly the lodge, boathouse and jetty) these are not considered to be prominent in the landscape and would be localised.
“The relatively modest scale of built development, including the proposed jetties extending into the water, generally relate to the scale of the island’s landform and important features.
“In conclusion, taking account of the qualified advice of the national park’s landscape adviser, it is considered that the proposed development as submitted, subject to final agreement of material specifications and lighting management, would safeguard the character and appearance of the Loch Lomond National Scenic Area and would comply with the relevant landscape and visual policies.”
The full agenda report is here.
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