REVISED plans have been drawn up for a development of holiday lodges on farmland near Loch Thom.
The proposal involves rough grassland sloping down to the compensation reservoir from Cornalees Farm in the countryside between Greenock and Inverkip.
Twelve single-storey lodges each with two to three bedrooms would be built.
They would be accessed via a new single track road with passing places from the adjacent public road.
The development would include a small building for administration and servicing of the lodges.
Proposals were originally submitted for planning approval in November 2021 but were later withdrawn. Changes have been made and a new application lodged with Inverclyde Council.
A design document submitted by architects Nicolson McShane on behalf of the farm owners explains: “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 continues: “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.”
The application is pending consideration by Inverclyde Council planners.
Planning consent was previously granted for the conversion of the farmhouse to two houses and the conversion of redundant barns, also into two houses.
