East Loch Lomondside
The reports stated that Glasgow nightclub owner, Wayne Gardner-Young was hoping to build a £100 million attraction to include zip-wires, treehouses, cafe, restaurant and visitor accommodation. The location and timescale of the proposed plan has not yet been revealed but it is understood to be somewhere on the banks of Loch Lomond within the National Park. The businessman is already re-developing the former site of the Highland Lodge in Balmaha and owns the Buchanan Arms in nearby Drymen.
Commenting on the media reports, Gordon Watson, Director of Planning and Rural Development at the National Park said: “I can confirm that Mr Gardner-Young has received pre-application planning advice on a number of proposals he is considering bringing forward in the area. While our pre-application advice to any applicant is treated as confidential, it is important to clarify that these discussions all involve development on sites already supported for tourism uses within the National Park’s Local Plan.”
“Our Local Plan seeks to actively encourage more investment in sensitively designed new tourism facilities so that our 4.5 million visitors per year have a great experience of the National Park and contribute to economic benefits and local jobs for our communities. Furthermore, none of the proposals discussed resemble what the Park Authority would regard as a theme park. Any development proposal would have to be of the highest standard as befits a National Park location and would be subject to due planning process. We are delighted that our Local Plan has led to a number of developers approaching us wanting to invest in the Park during these difficult economic times.”