COMMERCIAL development is unlikely to be able to take place at a Loch Lomondside beauty spot after a survey of the site confirmed fears.

The site at Duck Bay, adjacent to the loch, was subject to a flood risk assessment in 2020 which determined that there were concerns.

A report has now revealed that a full topographical survey has confirmed that the majority of the site is “compromised” by the risk of flooding.

And Argyll and Bute Council officials are not hopeful of any mitigation works which could allow commercial development to take place.

The details are given in a report to go before the council’s Helensburgh and Lomond Area Committee at its virtual meeting on Friday, December 17.

Executive director Douglas Hendry said: “The council has a significant land holding around the Duck Bay site adjacent to Loch Lomond. This is an important area of public recreation but there have been concerns expressed about anti-social behaviour and a lack of public facilities on the site.

“Estates and property development have been assessing the options to develop the facilities on the site to encourage tourism. Initially this has involved considering any constraints to development.

“Given the location adjacent to the loch, one of the first investigations was a Flood Risk Assessment which was completed during 2020.

“As anticipated the Flood Risk Assessment identified concerns about flood risk. However, to clarify the extent of the risk and any potential development area it was recommended that a full topographical survey of the site was undertaken.

“Accordingly, this has been procured and was anticipated to be completed in February 2021. However, the contractor initially appointed had significant issues due to the pandemic and the works required to be retendered and were returned in August 2021.

“The results of the topographical survey were used to update the Flood Risk Assessment but unfortunately the results confirmed that the majority of the site is compromised by flood risk.

“Discussions will now be undertaken with SEPA (Scottish Environmental Protection Agency) to assess if there are any mitigation works which could allow any commercial development to take place however it is considered unlikely.”

Mr Hendry added: “If commercial development is unable to proceed, the team will then consider options for improving the public facilities such as parking, toilets and visitor facilities in conjunction with roads, funders and other interested parties.

“In the meantime, the council is working with the National Park Authority, the Friends of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs, and local business owners to address concerns around anti-social behaviour and public facilities in the short term.”

Mr Hendry also gave an update on the Glen Loin car parks at Arrochar, which the council’s lease for was due expire last year.

And an improvement to the facilities at one of the parking areas may be on the cards

Mr Hendry added: “The council was keen to continue to operate the car parks as they provide a valuable public service, however this does require to be based on terms which reflect the costs and benefits of operating the service.

“Luss Estates marketed the car park which they own with a closing date set for February 12, 2021. However they subsequently removed the car park from the market having decided to operate it themselves and have been working with the council to ensure a smooth transition of the service.

“Clydebank Developments, who own the majority of the other car park in Arrochar marketed it for sale with a closing date of April 30, 2021. The estates team submitted an offer on behalf of the council which has been accepted in principle.

“Accordingly, legal services have been instructed to conclude the acquisition which will allow the service to continue to operate.

“Discussions are ongoing in respect of the acquisition of the remainder of the car park and once concluded it is proposed that the facilities could be improved to further support the local economy.”