Portsonachan pods proposed

Plans have been revealed for 10 holiday pods to be situated in a village beside Loch Awe.

 

The proposal by Holidays Direct Marketing would see the facilities located on land between Achnakeep and Schoolhouse Cottage in Portsonachan.

 

A decision from Argyll and Bute Council’s planning officers is expected by late September, with the plans now available for scrutiny by the public.

 

In a design and access statement, planning agents Avison Young said: 'The development framework is designed to offer an accessible and welcoming masterplan for development.

 

'The plan has been designed to maximise the use of the local topography without creating a lot of ‘cut and fill’ and siting the proposed lodges so they all have a view towards Loch Awe.

 

'There is generous provision for open green space within the proposed development, with the density being kept as low as possible to allow each lodge a degree of privacy and its own ‘setting’ within the slightly wider context of the phased development and again within the existing contextual landscape setting.

 

'Feature signage, possibly locally commissioned artwork and focal point landscape planting could form an attractive and welcoming entrance to the site.

 

'Individual native tree and hedgerow planting will structure the site whilst enhancing and add to the existing prevailing structure and biodiversity

 

'An emphasis on pedestrian movement is promoted through a series of paths which link throughout the site and to the parking areas. Low level lighting will be provided throughout the path links for additional safety.'

 

The statement added: 'The development proposals are wholly located within the Portsonachan settlement boundary and within proximity of a well-established and operational tourism-related destination.

 

'The proposed siting of 10 lodges and associated development is wholly in accordance with the suggested scale of development supported by related LDP policy and associated Supplementary Guidance.

 

'The development proposals are located within a tourism development area, which confirms that the principle of related development is acceptable subject to compliance with other LDP policies.

 

'The proposals represent significant economic investment within a well-established operational tourism-related destination.

 

'Development would add value to the local economy by creating additional employment, enhanced visitor attraction and spend within the region, and associated knock-on benefits to local suppliers and businesses.'