A proposal to expand a campsite near Luss, Scotland, with seven new touring caravan pitches and a relocated play park has been approved by planning authorities.
The application, submitted by Luss Estates in December 2023, was granted consent following a review by the local planning authority and consultation with environmental officers.
The development will see four of the new pitches located along the western boundary of the campsite and three situated to the north.
Alongside the additional pitches, the plans also include the relocation of the existing children’s play park and the installation of ground-mounted solar photovoltaic panels.
According to the official report on the case, the proposal was reviewed by the National Park Trees and Woodlands officer, who confirmed that approval could be granted subject to a range of conditions.
These conditions include measures to protect retained trees, ensure compensatory planting, and safeguard the root zones from construction activities such as installing electricity connections.
“The proposed additional touring caravan stances expand visitor accommodation within walking distance of the village of Luss,” the report stated.
“It is a small-scale increase in touring provision with a small decrease in camping provisio, which will not significantly alter the intensity of use of the existing site.”
According to the Helensburgh Advertiser, the report also highlighted the environmental benefits of the development.
“The proposed solar panels will reduce emissions and support adaptation of the site to climate change. Conditions are required to ensure there are no adverse impacts on amenity during construction and in the long term.”
To protect local biodiversity, one of the conditions prohibits tree removal between March and August unless a nesting bird survey is conducted.
Operational hours for construction are restricted to between 8:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. on weekdays, and between 8:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. on Saturdays. The additional touring pitches are designated for short-term holiday use only and cannot be used as permanent residences.
For business owners in the outdoor hospitality sector, this decision illustrates how small-scale expansions that incorporate sustainability features and respond to local planning expectations can gain approval.
Operators considering similar developments may benefit from working closely with environmental officers and incorporating renewable energy components to align with climate adaptation strategies.