PROPOSALS for a development of holiday lodges on farmland near Loch Thom have been blocked by planners.
The plan was for 12 single-storey lodges, each with two to three bedrooms, to be built on rough grassland sloping down to the compensation reservoir from Cornalees Farm in the countryside between Greenock and Inverkip.
Inverclyde Council officials have refused permission stating that the proposal did not respect the landscape setting or character, or protect important views.
The applicant can appeal against the decision.
The lodges were to be accessed via a new single track road with passing places from the adjacent public road.
The development was to have included a small building for administration and servicing of the lodges.
A design document submitted by architects Nicolson McShane on behalf of the farm owners explained: “Our proposal will be modestly scaled and sympathetically positioned in the environment. This is a relatively unique part of the park, with the Greenock Cut Visitor Centre and Ardgowan Fishery as neighbours.
“We are currently working with our landscape consultants to achieve a scheme which has a minimal visual impact whilst allowing long-term management of the site.
“Our proposal will increase the opportunity for visitors to stay within and thus fully experience the park for short recreation, active leisure or study periods. This will provide an authentic and small scale alternative to the existing town-based or ‘caravan park’ type accommodation.”
The statement continued: “Location is key to the proposal; it will contribute to and draw from nearby leisure activities including fishing, walking, birdwatching and simply relaxing in a beautiful spot.
“In addition, the unique topography of the site will allow spectacular views to Dunrod Hill to the north whilst giving shelter from prevailing south westerly winds.
“In drawing holidaymakers to Inverclyde and encouraging local people to holiday close to home, the proposal will provide a welcome long-term benefit to the local economy.”
