PROPOSALS have been formally lodged to transform a derelict site on the banks of Loch Long into a tourist destination.
Developer Ardnagal Estates Ltd says around 150 jobs could be created if its plans for the former torpedo range site opposite Arrochar get the green light.
The company has submitted a planning application to the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority to turn the eight hectares of land into a visitor accommodation and leisure development.
If given the green light, the site would feature 19 holiday homes, 36 holiday lodges, a 20-bedroom budget hotel - and would create around 150 jobs.
A 'pier hub' is also proposed, with a cafe and a general shop, along with a 40-bed bunkhouse, 10 campervan pitches and 20 glamping pods.
The proposals also feature 15 parking spaces, environmentally friendly composting toilets, a shower block and rubbish disposal and recycling facilities.
Agents Framed Estates, who have lodged the application on Ardnagal Estates' behalf, state: "The Pier Hub building is the key tourist element of the development. The hub will feature a café, boat workshop, chandlery, reception area, general store, and facilities.
"The foundation structure of the existing pier building remains stable, with sections of the existing steel frame likely to be retained and incorporated into the newly designed structure."
READ MORE: Torpedoes away: Latest development plans for former Loch Long side revealed at last
It is also hoped that the site can be offered as a space for local community groups and organisations in Arrochar.
The application stated: "One of the key aspects of the proposed development is its availability to be used by local community groups, local organisations and school groups.
"The proposed development consequently has a lot to offer by way of a community asset."
The proposed bunkhouse will have 20 twin rooms and is designed to blend with the natural surroundings of Loch Long.
Plans state that this building would be split, separating the dining, social and sleeping areas.
In addition, the building plans feature educational space, which the developer says will be equipped with state-of-the-art technology, allowing school and community groups to also benefit from these areas.
There would also be a multi-use games pitch, located centrally within the proposed development, which will be available for use by local community groups.
The history behind the site
The site began life as a torpedo testing site in the First World War, and remained in use until the 1980s.
Torpedoes, without warheads, were tested along the length of the Loch Long Torpedo Range - later renamed the Royal Navy Torpedo Range - throughout both world wars.
In 1944, at the height of its activity, more than 12,500 torpedoes were test-fired down Loch Long – an average of 48 per day.
The testing range closed in 1986 and lay dormant until partial demolition began in 2007.
A fire that year led to the site being left to return to nature.
Developers say the area is popular now with urban explorers and divers.
Ardnagal Estates bought the site after it was advertised for sale in April 2021.
A previous proposal to create a five-star hotel and resort at the site - known as the Ben Arthur Resort - was unveiled in 2012.
Those plans included a 130-bedroom hotel with 16 residential units and 36 apartments on the disused land along with a chandlery, helipad and marina.
Planning permission for that scheme lapsed in 2017.
Further details about the plans, which can be publicly viewed on the park authority's website, can be found at bit.ly/arrochartorpedorange.
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