PLANS to create a footpath linking a car park with a community-owned woodland have been approved by council officers.
The proposal by Glenbarr Community Development Association, for the Dal an Duie Field land southwest of Glenbarr Abbey, also includes tree planting and landscaping. The works will form community leisure and open space.
No representations were received from the public by Argyll and Bute Council during the planning process, and planning permission has now been granted.
A council official said in a handling report: “The land comprises a small open field and associated woodland, known as the Dal an Duie field with a stone wall bounding the site along the road.
“The community woodland extends to the south of the field and is bound on the north western side by the Barr watercourse.
“The proposed path is to be installed around the perimeter of the community field comprising a 2m wide whin dust path with central camber.
“Regrading works are proposed in the northern section of the site to create a 15m diameter fire pit of excavated boulders with adjacent vegetated landform and a further landform in the southern area.
“Further planting on site includes wildflower meadow area, woodland edge planting and oak woodland planting. No existing trees will be affected by the footpath installation.
“Of relevance, planning permission was approved in 2025 for the formalisation of a car parking area to serve the community field.”
The report added: “[Local Development Plan 2 policy] supports the provision of new sport, recreation and community facilities outwith the settlement areas where there is an operational justification for the location, and the development is of a form and scale commensurate to the nature of the facility and the community it serves.
“The community open space lies to the south of the settlement area of Glenbarr and provides a key function to that settlement.
“The proposed siting of the facility within the established open space albeit outwith the settlement boundary is considered acceptable in this case. The principle of development is therefore acceptable, subject to the other material considerations.”
