Loch Lomond National Park orders removal of static caravan in unlawful development crackdown

Officials at one of Scotland’s most popular national parks have ordered the removal of a static caravan in a crackdown on land developments.

The Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority said they are “concerned” by the rising sales of small plots of land which are unsuitable for development, and warned buyers of “too good to be true” deals.

The authority said that plots of land in the area are very unlikely to receive planning permission due to being in protected landscapes, and they will have a zero-tolerance approach towards unauthorised activity.

Officials said that unapproved development activity creates risks around pollution, environmental designations, and unsafe road access.

‘Concerned and frustrated’

This week, police joined the park authority to issue a removal order to the owner of an unauthorised static caravan and access works at Stroneslaney Road, Balquhidder, after previous requests were ignored.

Despite public warnings and enforcement on unlawful activity on nearby land in 2022, the situation is said to have escalated.

Land previously owned by one person has now been subdivided into approximately 45 plots, where members of the community have faced intimidating behaviour.

The authority has said that the plots, priced from £7,000, are drawing buyers from across the UK and overseas who “appear unaware” of the planning constraints.

Officials have warned that they “will not hesitate” in forcibly removing any structures that have not been approved.

Unauthorised developments in Balquidder - Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority — Unauthorised developments in Balquidder – Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority via Supplied

“We strongly urge vigilance from buyers”, Stuart Mearns, director of place at the National Park Authority, said.

“If a sale notice seems too good to be true, we encourage buyers to seek their own professional advice or from our planning staff before purchasing.

“We are concerned and frustrated by this continuing trend across the National Park of the marketing of small plots of land which are not suitable for development.

“While we are proactively engaging with new owners and seeing development works removed, in some cases, unfortunately, there are some that are not heeding our warnings.

“This unauthorised activity raises serious concerns, including in respect of pollution, risk to environmental designations and unsafe road access.

“These plots of land are very unlikely to receive planning permission given they are in typically within the countryside and sited on flood plains on environmentally sensitive or protected landscape and typically have no formal access or infrastructure.

“If those enforcement notices we issue are not complied with, we will not hesitate in utilising our statutory powers, including options that are a last resort such as forcibly removing any structures.”

The Park Authority is working with the local communities, local councils, Police Scotland and SEPA and will hold a meeting this month to discuss any wider and coordinated steps.