Campsite plans revealed

Plans for a touring campsite and three holiday chalets have been submitted to Argyll and Bute Council.

The planning bid for the site at Achnaba at Port Ann, near Lochgilphead, includes permission for a hub building.

It is hoped that if awarded planning permission, the proposed site will help to ease the demand for motorhome facilities in Argyll and Bute.

A decision on the plans by M&K MacLeod is expected from the council by the middle of July, with the public now able to submit comments to the authority.

A design statement said: ‘In recent years there has been a continuing rise in the popularity of touring campervans and caravans in the Argyll area, particularly on the Argyll Coastal Route.

‘This has resulted in the use of casual overnight stopping places in laybys and similar. Whilst wild camping is legal in Scotland this does not apply to motorised vehicles (motorhomes and campervans).

‘There is no legal right to park beside the road overnight although there may be a tolerance in some areas providing there is no obstruction to others.

‘Off-road parking of a motor vehicle on verges or adjacent land without permission of the landowner is itself unlawful. Exceptions have generally been made for overnight stops not to make camp for a few days. This has led to many problems and conflicts with the local community.

‘The infrastructure is not there to deal with this pressure, not just in terms of campsite space, but facilities for safe and hygienic waste disposal, toilet facilities, bins and fresh water supplies.

‘It would also offer the desired isolation (rather than a layby) for those who choose to avoid the holiday park atmosphere.’

On the proposed chalets, the statement added: ‘The chalets are two-bedroom, six-person (max) chalets. These are aimed at the higher end of the holiday rental market.’