Falkirk Council Approves Holiday Homes and Restaurant at Black Loch
Falkirk Council has given the green light for a new restaurant and holiday lodges at Black Loch, promising benefits for the local community.
Falkirk, Scotland, Black Loch, Holiday Homes, Restaurant, Planning Permission
Falkirk: Exciting news! Plans for a new cafe and 12 holiday lodges by Black Loch just got the thumbs up from the council. This spot is set to become a real gem.
Lawrie Duncan from the REWD group shared that this project is a fantastic chance for the local community and Scottish tourism. It’s not just about the site; it’s about bringing life to Limerigg.
The loch is a favorite for wild swimmers and anglers, but it’s also a brownfield site, previously an industrial area. Now, it’s getting a makeover with a £4-5 million investment.
They’re planning to add over 100 parking spaces, which should help with the usual parking chaos around the loch. It’s a busy spot, especially during weekends.
Of course, the council has set some conditions. They want to make sure the road is upgraded and that no sewage ends up in the loch. Safety first, right?
There are still a few hurdles to jump through before construction starts. The developers need to chat with other landowners, including Scottish Forestry and Scottish Canals, about access and other issues.
One local, Marion Hunter, raised concerns about security and the impact on her farm animals. She was reassured that there will be 24/7 security to keep everything safe.
However, she mentioned that no one from the development team had reached out to her family about the access road they own. But, the council said land ownership isn’t a planning issue; it’s a private matter.
Another twist is that the main road, the B825, is managed by North Lanarkshire Council, which supports the visibility improvements for safety.
Councillor Gordon Forrest had some reservations, especially about sewage treatment and the potential for hot tubs in the cabins. He wants to ensure everything is handled properly.
He also expressed worries about the maintenance of woodland paths, fearing visitors might end up walking on the busy road instead.
While he’s excited about the development, he wants to make sure it enhances the area and keeps everyone safe.
Committee convener Billy Buchanan wrapped things up by thanking everyone for their input. He’s looking forward to seeing this project come to life, with the right conditions in place to address concerns.