Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park Authority has given Argyll’s Loch Lomond Golf Club permission to create a new 18-hole course at Luss on Loch Lomondside.

The Authority granted the permission subject to conditions on issues such as landscape, biodiversity and public access, specifically around the protection of the loch shore, protected species, geology, archaeology and an ancient woodland, .

Woodland Trust Scotland had argued that the course would damage an area of woodland on the site – Allt’ a Ghuilliann. This area of woodland may not be formally designated as ancient but it is considered to be of ancient origin and to have nature conservation value.

The park authority said that the conditions imposed by its planning officers had made sure that the course had been re-designed and refined to fit into this sensitive area, including a reduction of holes in the Allt’ a Ghuilliann area. Some holes were also redesigned to protect major clusters of the most valuable trees.

This permission for development  comes at a time when Loch Lomond Golf Club is under the management of business recovery specialists, Marotta Gund Budd & Dzera (MGBD), appointed by Halifax Bank of Scotland (HBOS) at the request of American owner, Lyle Anderson. The development potential of this new course may well make the club easier to sell. As For Argyll has reported, Dubai World – through its subsidiary Leisurecorp, are thought to be interested in its acquisition..