Luss Estates seek Helensburgh greenbelt fields for housing

Local land owners Luss Estates has released a masterplan that wants to see two large parcels of land eventually designated for residential use.

Empress Fields and Woodend are both earmarked for possible housing in the plans that cover the entire area west of Loch Lomond, including Luss, Ardlui, Rhu, Arrochar and Tarbet.

In June, the Scottish Government rejected bids to designate both sites for housing under the new Local Decelopment Plan for Argyll and Bute, known as LDP2, saying that allocating the two areas for new homes would “have a significant adverse effect on the landscape setting”.

But work will soon start on the next LDP and Luss Estates’ goals for the region are looking 10 years ahead.

READ MORE: Arrochar and Tarbet railway station could move in Luss Estates plans

Community campaigners say they need to start work now to start protecting the greenbelt.

And they hope to get a key route - known as the Gorse Path - formally named as a “right of way” to help protect the area against development.

The document, prepared by architects Page/Park, proposes Woodend and Empress Fields "for housing in the event of its release from the green belt in the 2026-30 Argyll and Bute Council Local Development Plan".

Lorna Masterton told HCC that Luss Estates wanted the two pieces of greenbelt designated as residential sites. And they wanted to "re-establish the wind farm" that had previously been blocked by Glasgow Airport.

"I have lived here for 26 years and walk the Gorse Path," she said. "We are trying to make it a registered path. That would help hold it as a green space. It would not stop development.

"It's a beautiful path and provides a beautiful view. Why should we lose it? It's peaceful.

"We are entitled to public access. We have just focused on the little path - we then go wider and find a way to connect them up.

"We have people who have used it for 40 years. We need people who have used it for more than 20 years - anyone who uses the path."

HCC member Nigel Millar said of hints at developing greenbelt: "If they're getting in early, we need to get in early and say 'over our dead bodies'."

Convener Norman Muir said: "In a practical sense, we want to get that path registered. Let's start small.

"I think in principle you have our total support."

Luss Estates wants to see two sites - Empress Fields, between Helensburgh and Rhu to be designated for housing, and Woodend, bounded by Blackhill Plantation, Blackhill Drive and Macleod Drive - designated for housing

But in June a reporter from the Scottish Government concluded: “I am satisfied that the healthy supply of effective land for housing referred to above addresses this matter.”

Also in June, the government also rejected another developer’s bid to assign land at Lomond Grove, next to Colgrain Primary, for 100 homes.

Proposals by Luss Estates for Woodend were also rejected for having a “significant adverse effect” and “seriously compromise the purposes of the greenbelt”.

Empress Fields, between Helensburgh and Rhu, was also rejected by the reporter. They said “no part of this site should be allocated for housing”.

The Luss Estates plan also includes a wind farm, proposals for a battery energy storage site near Rhu as well as hydro schemes on the Glen Douglas River and Glen Luss River.

They also want "enhancement/redevelopment" of the redundant Helensburgh Reservoirs.

Luss Estates said they consulted with Arrochar, Tarbet and Ardlui Community Council and Luss and Arden Community Council on their masterplan. It does not mention other area groups.

They state: "Luss Estates Company will continue to support communities across the estate, and to this end is seeking to align as closely as possible the aims of the Estate’s Plan with those of the two pocal place plans."

If you would like to fill out a form about your use of the Gorse Path, please email lornamasterton08@gmail.com.

Luss Estates have been approached for comment.