PLANS have been revealed for an active travel route linking Lochgilphead’s Front Green with the Crinan Canal.
Douglas Grierson has applied to Argyll and Bute Council for planning permission for the route, which aims to “increase the number of people travelling actively more often for everyday journeys”.
Another of the aims of the path listed in a report is to “increase the numbers of people cycling, walking and wheeling to school”.
Council officers are expected to reach a decision by early June, with the public now able to view plans and submit feedback.
A design report by planning agents Cameron and Ross said: “This proposal consists of a four-metre-wide shared use path extending from the Front Green to the Crinan Canal, creating a safe and accessible corridor for pedestrians, cyclists, and other non-motorised users.
“The design includes the strategic acquisition of land at the Corran B&B to accommodate the required width and alignment.
“A key feature of this route is the installation of a signalised toucan crossing across the A83, enhancing safety and connectivity between the town centre and canal-side infrastructure.
“From there, the route takes advantage of a historic stone ramp to provide an attractive and functional transition to the canal path, maintaining sensitivity to the site’s character while meeting current accessibility and safety standards.”
The report added: “The development and refinement of the alignment have been underpinned by a structured value engineering process and a comprehensive cost benefit analysis. These exercises have resulted in demonstrable capital cost savings while maintaining if not improving functionality, safety, and deliverability.
“This optimisation reflects a strong commitment to delivering best value to stakeholders and ensuring that public funds are used efficiently. Notably, the revised route avoids several of the more challenging topographical, structural, and landownership constraints encountered during earlier option development, thus de-risking key elements of the scheme and streamlining future design and construction activities.
“The preferred alignment remains aligned with policy and strategic transport objectives and continues to be supported by key statutory and non-statutory stakeholders.
“The ongoing support from Argyll and Bute Council, Transport Scotland, Historic Environment Scotland (HES), and Scottish Canals highlights the effectiveness of the collaborative and consultative design process. Their continued endorsement reflects confidence in the technical feasibility, heritage sensitivity, regulatory compliance, and environmental considerations embedded in the revised scheme.
“The alignment of interests across these bodies is a strong indicator of project resilience as it moves into detailed design and statutory consent stages.
“The most crucial next step is for Argyll and Bute Council to secure funding for the developed and technical design (stage 4) of the scheme.
“Should the process of land acquisition become a significant risk to the project delivery, then it is possible that a phased delivery approach could be adopted.
“This will allow a safer, continuous route for pedestrians between Lochgilphead and the Crinan Canal to be incorporated in the short to medium term, with an improved route created in the medium to long term, subject to land acquisition.”
To view the plans and submit feedback, visit the council’s planning portal at argyll-bute.gov.uk and use the reference number 25/01713/PP.
