PLANS have been submitted for an extension to a tree shop located next to the Loch Fyne Oyster Bar off the A83.
The Tree Shop, at Clachan near Cairndow, has been in operation for 36 years and wishes to grow its existing café building to form additional eating and shopping space.
Argyll and Bute Council planning officers are expected to rule on the application for planning permission by Ardkinglas Estate Nurseries Ltd by early June, with the public able to view plans and submit feedback.
A supporting statement by planning agents Arbour said: “Ardkinglas Estate Nurseries Ltd has been trading as the Tree Shop at Clachan for 36 years, starting with a small timber building that still forms the core of the shop.
“The building has been extended twice since then, forming additional office space at the rear and a large glasshouse sales area and café on the southwest side.
“The business has grown over the years and now enjoys an excellent reputation for its trees, shrubs and plants, its gift shop and its café.
“It has become a stable employer for staff from the local area and an important part of the facilities at Clachan, which includes Loch Fyne Oysters Ltd and Here We Are (community initiative).
“The glasshouse extension, being a simple structure, is no longer fit for purpose. It requires regular maintenance and is vulnerable to excessive heat loss in winter and overheating in summer.
“The growth in customer numbers for the shop and café is putting pressure on the current available space. In order to allow the business to continue to grow and in order to reduce its carbon emissions the option of a separate new building was considered in 2023 and the resulting design received planning permission in 2024.
“Subsequent detailed costings and work on a business plan showed that this option was not financially viable. Therefore the option of altering and extending the existing building has been reconsidered, resulting in the current proposal.
“The extended building will provide more space for both gift shop and café, larger kitchen areas and extended public toilets. The development will result in an increased external area for plant sales.”
