Planning permission has been granted for the Loch Lomond Rescue Boat to move its base to Balloch
The Rescue Boat, which first launched in 1977, had been primarily based at Luss but had a short stint at Balloch during the summer months since 2021 with the formal plans submitted earlier this year.
That trail was part of the charity’s long-term ambitions to move to Balloch as the charity believed the move would help to save more lives, with crews often being delayed getting to Luss by more than 40 minutes due to heavy traffic on the A82 – especially during days with warm weather.
A rescue boat station is now set to be built at the site with a slipway near Loch Lomond Shores and the Maid of the Loch, while access and parking will also be formed.
The facility itself will have a single-story base with a training room and office, viewing balcony, boat store, changing room, kitchen, toilet, and a space for car parking.
The proposed site of development will be next to the west bank of the River Leven near Balloch Pier and the Maid of the Loch.
The reasons for the decision being granted planning permission included the site’s location in Balloch and its positive impact on the public.
The report read: “Whilst the proposal will result in some woodland loss across the site, the development of a rescue boat house and associated slipway, by a recognised and established charity, is considered to present a clear public benefit and service which, on balance, outweighs the loss of woodland in this particular case.”
Environmental measures such as compensatory tree planting and mitigation planting will be put in place to minimise any damage done to the woodland and the environment.