COUNCIL officials are likely to have to submit a change of use planning application for the Cowal Aires project, a report has said.
Argyll and Bute Council’s policy and resources committee allocated £100,000 in 2023 to deliver a scheme at Dunoon’s West Bay to provide safe spaces for motorhomes and campervans.
A report by the authority’s roads and infrastructure services department has now said that a planning application is likely to have to be submitted.
The document also gives details on works that have taken place on roads across Bute and Cowal, along with a new bus stop at Robertson Drive in Rothesay.
The document said: “There is an emerging requirement for a change of use planning application for this [Cowal Aires] project – we are awaiting pre application feedback from colleagues in planning then will progress the necessary application.
“The team have been potholing in Loch Striven area, as well as Dunoon town centre, A886 Colintraive, and the C9 Whistlefield.
“The roadmaster has been working in the Lochgoilhead area and scrub cutting has been underway around St Catherine’s.”
In a statement issued in August 2025, the council said: “In 2023, the policy and resources committee allocated £100,000 to deliver a scheme at the West Bay in Dunoon to create a safe parking space for a motorhome/campervan where the occupants are able to sleep, relax, prepare and eat food within the confines of the vehicle, known as an Aires.
“Following a review earlier this year, it became clear the initial proposal was not viable.
“Following work to identify alternative locations for an Aires-style facility within Bute and Cowal, the council has redesigned the development as the Cowal Aires project.
“The revised plan will see installation of 10 hardstanding bays at Tor Aluinn, Bullwood in Dunoon, staggered to enhance privacy between vehicles.
“The picnic area will see upgrades with the installation of 10 new picnic benches, each accessible for wheelchair users and designed with integrated barbecue sections to ensure family-friendly use of the site.
“Directional signage and QR-code-based visitor guidance will enable self -managed, app-based payment and encourage responsible use.”
