Glamping plan for Balmaha

Glamping pods look set to be built near the West Highland Way at Balmaha.

National park planners approved an application from Gilbert Bannerman for a change of use of agricultural land next to Old Manse Farm.

Mr Bannerman wants to put eight pods and a reception building in a field on the west side of the B837, just north of Balmaha.

Friends of Loch Lomond told planners there is a shortage of overnight tourist accommodation on the West Highland Way.

They said the site would be very popular with walkers and others seeking to reconnect with nature.

Park planners approved the project, saying: “The area to the north of Balmaha is not identified for development in the local plan on account of its constrained road access, traffic pressures at peak times and capacity of available infrastructure.

“However, the site is within a 5-10-minute walk of the centre of Balmaha along the WHW.

“It is sufficiently related to both Balmaha and the WHW that it is easily accessible on foot and so would have little impact on the area to the north of Balmaha that the local plan seeks to protect.

“The proposal in this location is therefore acceptable in principle.

“In order to ensure the pods are only occupied for holiday use and not permanent residences a condition is proposed to limit the length of stay by any one person or group.”

The pods will be domed structures measuring 6m by 3m and 2.4m high.

Each will have a shower and WC, two beds and an eating area.

Outside they will have a picnic bench and barbecue area.

The reception pod will be the same size.

Planners said: “Although the pods are of a standard, ‘off the shelf’ appearance they are of the type found commonly within the national park.”