http://www.theherald.co.uk/news/environment/display.var.2468757.0.Loch_Lomond_golf_course_to_go_ahead.phpLoch Lomond golf course to go aheadControversial plans by a leading golf club to build a new 18-hole course were given the go-ahead yesterday.
The application by Loch Lomond Golf Club to create a course near Luss was approved by the national park planning committee.
Woodland Trust Scotland had voiced fears the course would destroy ancient woodland habitat. The organisation claimed it would damage the environment the park authority is charged with protecting.
However, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority said its planning officers had ensured that the course had been redesigned and refined to fit into this sensitive area. The process also involved close work with Scottish Natural Heritage, the Scottish Golf Environment Group, Sepa and Forestry Commission Scotland.
Permission was granted subject to conditions and a legal agreement on landscape, woodland, loch shore, biodiversity, protected species, public access, geology and archaeology issues.
The authority said it negotiated the reduction of holes in the Allt' a Ghuilliann woodland as well as the redesign of holes to utilise clearings and work to protect main clusters of the most valuable trees.
Christina Byrne, of the Woodland Trust, said: "We are very disappointed.
"It is a great natural habitat on the banks of Loch Lomond and it's very disappointing that it's going to be gobbled up by more of the golf course."