Plans have been submitted to Argyll and Bute Council for an expansion of Tarbert Holiday Park in Scotland that would add 25 lodges, four self-contained glamping pods, and additional parking for tourers and cars.
The part-retrospective planning application includes two of the proposed lodges with residential status. The plans are intended to expand the holiday park’s existing accommodation capacity and infrastructure as the business responds to demand from both leisure visitors and workers staying in the area.
Tarbert Holiday Park was established in 2013 after receiving planning permission for eight touring pitches and six glamping pods. The latest application would significantly increase the park’s accommodation offering beyond its original touring and glamping provision.
Argyll and Bute Council is expected to determine the application by mid-November. The plans are currently available for public review, with feedback able to be submitted through the council’s planning process. The application is listed under reference number 25/01766/PP.
In a design and access statement prepared by planning agents REM Associates, the applicants outlined several factors behind the proposed expansion. According to the Helensburgh Advertiser, the statement said the park has developed as a destination for travelers exploring the Kintyre Peninsula and visitors traveling onward to islands including Gigha, Colonsay, and Islay via the ferry terminal at Kennacraig.
“The holiday park has gone from strength to strength since opening in 2013 and established itself as a great destination in Argyll for travellers and holiday makers, either exploring the Kintyre peninsula down through Carradale to Campbelltown or heading to Islands of Gigha, Colonsay and Islay via the Ferry terminal at Kennacraig.
“The holiday park has become an essential stopping off point for visitors before catching the ferry to the other holiday destinations.
“The holiday park is now providing accommodation for Caledonian MacBrayne employees due to its close proximity to the ferry terminal, and also construction workers for the major infrastructure projects being undertaken in Argyll.
“Caledonian MacBrayne is one of the main employers in the area. This provides a great boost to the holiday park all season and in the off season thus creating the demand for more accommodation.
“This, coupled with the increase in tourist visitors year on year, has created the demand for expansion and helps the business to expand and create local employment which is a greatly required in Argyll. The proposed expansion enhances the holiday park’s infrastructure and on-site facilities.
“The holiday park is now widely recognised by tourists, local visitors and work employers with an established reputation for providing a high standard of service and accommodation, this in turn promotes Argyll, Kintyre and Tarbert as a holiday and work destination.”
For outdoor hospitality operators, the proposal illustrates how a holiday park’s customer base can extend beyond traditional seasonal tourism. According to the planning statement, demand from ferry-related workers and construction personnel has contributed to occupancy outside the peak tourism period, while the park’s location also provides access to visitors traveling through the region.
The application will now proceed through the council’s planning process, with the public consultation providing an opportunity for interested parties to review the proposed development and submit comments before a decision is made.
