Temporary car park can stay for two more years
A temporary car park in Balmaha is to be allowed to operate for another two years.
Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park planners have approved an application by local businessman Sandy Fraser to renew planning permission for a change of use of the usually vacant land, west of Balmaha House, for 70 parking spaces.
Permission was granted in early 2020 for two years after Mr Fraser, owner of the Oak Tree Inn, offered to provide the temporary car park on the waste ground at the northern edge of village, which is earmarked for future development, as a temporary solution to ease visitor management during the pandemic.
A supporting statement submitted by Mr Fraser’s agent cited that an increase in staycations has resulted in an increase in visitor numbers to Balmaha. They added that there was a demonstrable need for additional parking in Balmaha and a temporary car park had proven to be much needed in times of significant visitor numbers.
In their decision, park planners acknowledged that Balmaha currently experiences high visitor pressure and that, at present, there is no alternative sustainable travel solution in place.
They added: “Addressing issues relating to ongoing visitor management is a key action of the National Park Partnership Plan. The Plan notes that during peak periods the road network on East Loch Lomond can become very busy and problems can be exacerbated by illegal or irresponsible parking.
“The National Park has commissioned a study into strategic visitor management infrastructure for the East Loch Lomond Area. This is at an early stage and in the meantime it is accepted that additional parking, for a temporary period, will assist in alleviating traffic issues relating to visitor numbers, thus benefiting the local community/ economy.
“An update to the National Park’s Visitor Experience Guidance (with specific reference to new car parks) was approved in November last year and has since been put out to consultation. This consultation period has recently closed. Although a material consideration in the assessment of the application, only limited weight can be given to the guidance in its draft status.
“The guidance does not encourage new car parks and seeks to support investment in alternative forms of sustainable transport and active travel infrastructure.
“However, it acknowledges that visitor pressures are currently severe in some locations and that some additional parking solutions may be required. Preferably new car parking would be a short term temporary solution and capable of being removed at a later date once alternative transport solutions are in place. Given the temporary nature of the car park it would be consistent with this guidance.
“The applicant has sought consent until September 2024 which would cover three summer seasons. It is, however, considered that permission for two years is a more reasonable time period given the departure from policy and the ongoing work to find a long-term solution to sustainable active travel within east Loch Lomond.”
The temporary planning permission will run until March 31, 2024.
...permission for two years is a more reasonable time period