2013 Strategic Development Framework Review
In advance of the 2023 Strategic Development Framework creation Luss Estates reviewed the results of the previous 2013 plan. Progress has been made in all key areas of the 2013 Strategic Development Framework.
Although the masterplan in the 2013 framework focussed on the village of Luss, some of the achievements in the ten year period also affect the communities in Tarbet, Arrochar, Helensburgh and Rhu.
This is especially true of the environmental work, which goes beyond just the settlements, and encompasses the entire estate.
Achievements in the last 10 years include:
POPULATION & HOUSING
As of 2023 a total of 53 housing units are in the process of being delivered, facilitated by Luss Estates.
In addition land has been sold for the development of a further 70 units of housing at Ardencaple, by Helensburgh.
ECONOMY & EMPLOYMENT
A wide variety of jobs have been created through the expansion and development of Luss Estates business ventures as well as through commercial and agricultural tenancies.
Luss & Arden Development Trust and Arrochar & Tarbet Development Trust have been leased land for the development of a local hydro-electric power scheme. Profits of over £40,000 have been directed to the community trusts. The scheme is projected to produce over £500,000 over the course of its working lifetime.
The Luss & Arden Guidebook was created - giving profits to the local community development trust.
Luss Filling Station was opened, providing a much needed resource for the community as well as visitors. A fuel discount scheme is in place for members of the local community.
Land has been sold in Rhu for a pepper-corn price of £1 to allow development of a new Scout Hut.
TRANSPORT & VEHICLE MANAGEMENT
A new 250 space car park has been created at the south edge of the village of Luss.
Luss Estates contributed significant financial and logistical support to Luss & Arden Community Council for the development of an alternative traffic management proposal for the entire village of Luss.
Development of the village infrastructure includes a beautiful new Village Green and newly designed Playground.
SETTING & EXPANSION
New public WCs have been funded in the Luss village carpark.
£50,000 investment by Luss Estates has employed village wardens and a regular litter-picking scheme by Luss Estates staff, and other stake-holders. Five commercial tenants around Luss have litter-picking requirements as part of their tenancy agreements, to improve the local environment for residents and visitors.
Luss Estates intervened to help Duchess Woods (in Helensburgh) re-open to the public, following the withdrawal of public funding.
ENVIRONMENT
Extensive work on the implementation of environmentally friendly land management has transformed the way that Luss Estates is managed.
In addition to the community hydro-electric scheme Luss Estates have also installed a bio-mass boiler to supply heat to the Loch Lomond Arms and associated holiday cottages.
Luss Estates have implemented an active deer management program, in conjunction with NatureScot, to reduce the impact of grazing on the native biodiversity.
Peatland restoration, in partnership with Scottish Natural Heritage, has been carried out on two sites across Luss Estates.
Over 725,000 trees have been planted - of which are 84,000 mixed conifers, 85,000 native broadleaves, and 555,000 sitka trees.
Under the AECS over 3,000 acres of land have been part of agricultural-environmental schemes.