Paddle board business proposal submitted

A paddle board hire business could be set up on the shores of Loch Lubnaig at Strathyre.

Mark Brewerton has submitted an application to Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park planners for a change of use of land south of a local layby, including putting up a temporary gazebo/small trailer on the site during business hours.

Agents for the applicant say the proposed site is an area of shingle beach and won’t impact upon the current tourist facilities available to the general public.

They added:“The area proposed does not impact upon existing walking routes or views of the area and the general public can easily walk around the structure if desired.

“The proposal is for the business to operate for approximately 24 weeks of the year between Easter (depending on date)/mid-April until the last weekend in September.

“Loch Lubnaig is a popular spot for paddle boarders and kayaks as well as wild swimming. It is felt that tourism will be increased in the area and if there is an option to rent a paddle board in this location, the nearest options that are easily accessible are Loch Lomond and the west end of Loch Tay, both a considerable distance from the city of Stirling and the towns/villages in the nearby area.

“There is no known impact to wildlife in the area, there will be no motorboats and paddle boards are currently used on the loch privately.

“The proposal is for six paddle boards to be available to hire and two giant paddle boards. The payment for the paddle boards will be primarily booked online through the website with secure payments in place. Walk-up bookings will also be accepted.”

The agents said a condition of booking will be that all customers must wear life jackets/buoyancy aids which will be provided by the business free of charge. All customers would also take part in a safety briefing before hire. Hire of the boards would be for over 10s only and any customers under the age of 18 years must be accompanied by an appropriate adult.

Local people would be given a hire discount and a free session would be made available to local charities twice a week, with local mental health and wellbeing charities to be contacted to offer the free service.

There would be no energy use on site, with a laptop required for safety briefings and management of the business being powered by solar powered leisure battery. Any cleaning products for equipment would be“safe for the environment and CFC free”.

Park planners are expected to make a recommendation on the application in due course.