COUNCILLORS have been recommended to endorse a project which could see a “sustainable, world-class outdoor activities hub” come to Dunoon.

A report to go before elected members next week gives an update on the Dunoon and Kilbride Hill Strategic Masterplan, produced by a registered charity in the local area.

Among the proposals are a gondola-style cable car from the site of the former Glenmorag Hotel to the summit of Kilbride Hill, and a zip wire travelling down the hill.

Community groups and local residents have expressed support for the project, which it is thought will take 20 years to implement.

The update will be considered by Argyll and Bute Council’s planning, protective services and licensing committee at its meeting on Wednesday, October 23.

A report in advance of the meeting said: “The Dunoon Project Limited is a registered community-based charity that has produced a strategic masterplan, in consultation with the local community and key stakeholders to guide the development of a new tourist and recreation attraction on Kilbride Hill, Dunoon (also to be known as ‘The Dunoon Project’).

“The Strategic Masterplan identifies a set of broad and overarching development principles to deliver the vision of creating: ‘The place for nature-based world class adventures, attracting visitors to our thriving community connected to an outstanding environment’.

“The long-term aim of The Dunoon Project is to guide the development of a sustainable, world-class outdoor activities hub on the surrounding hills and forests to re-establish Dunoon as one of Scotland’s premier tourism destinations.

“The objective is to increase tourism by attracting new visitors to the area and persuading those visitors who usually pass through Dunoon on their way to other destinations in Argyll and Bute (and beyond) to stay in the town.

“This will boost the local economy by increasing local tourism spend, supporting business development and job creation opportunities.”

South Cowal Community Council told Argyll and Bute Council: “South Cowal Community Council fully supports this application and feel that the project should be a tremendous boost for the local economy.”

An Argyll and Bute Council planning officer said: “It is considered that the components of the proposed Strategic Masterplan including the vision, principles and indicative site designs are appropriate for the sustainable development of the site area.

“The indicative site designs provide a framework to guide more detailed future planning applications.

“It is recommended that the strategic masterplan be endorsed and shall form a material consideration in the determination of future planning applications.

“Given the outline nature, the strategic masterplan should be updated as developments are approved at the site in conformity with the masterplan which prove to have implications for the delivery of development within the remainder of the site.”