Plans for Loch Lomond Rescue Boat's new station approved

Earlier this year, the Loch Lomond Rescue Boat (LLRB) charity sought planning permission for the facility, along with a slipway, vehicle access and parking.

The charity has long wanted to set up a new base at the southern end of the loch amid concerns at how long it can take crew members – most of whom live in the Balloch, Vale of Leven and Dumbarton area – to reach Luss to respond to emergencies when there’s heavy traffic on the A82.

As previously reported, a 'pre-planning application' notice was lodged with the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority (LLTNPA) in February 2022.

The updated proposals were submitted in February this year for a site on the west bank of the River Leven near Balloch Pier – a short distance from the Maid of the Loch paddle steamer.

The Loch Lomond Rescue Boat's current Luss base is no longer adequate for the crew's needs (Image: Supplied)

A supporting statement lodged alongside the formal planning application stated: “The demands on its services have increased as boating and recreational activities have increased in and around Loch Lomond over the decades and they can often attend 70 to 80 callouts per year.

“As one would expect, the majority of these callouts are during the spring and summer months and tend to be focussed towards the southern end of the loch and around the islands.”

It also added that a temporary base was established at Balloch pier and this had proved to be far better in terms of attendance times to rescues.

The new building as seen from the front (Image: Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park) The rescue boat's base has been located in Luss since the charity was founded in 1977.

The approved plans will include a rescue boathouse comprising a boat shed, recovery room, training room, kitchen, locker room, communication room and toilet changing facilities.

There will also be a parking area for 10 vehicles, an ambulance bay and turning point next to the new boathouse.

There were no objections to the proposed new base and comments of support were received from Loch Lomond Angling Improvement Association and The Loch Lomond Association, which said: "The Loch Lomond Rescue Boat is much needed, if not critical, safety and emergency response resource carrying out life-saving work.

"The loch is busier now and it is no surprise that rescue boat crew members can be delayed in reaching the existing base at Luss due to traffic conditions and restrictions on the A82.

"The location in Balloch gives prompt access to the southern and busiest part of the Loch around Balloch, Balmaha and Inchmurrin."

In a decision notice report, Stuart Mearns, director of place, said: "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.

"Compensatory tree planting and mitigation planting will be secured by condition to ensure woodland loss is mitigated."

The application was approved on the condition that the permission expires three years after it was granted, the building will only be used as a rescue boat station and several measures taken to protect the surrounding wildlife and nature.