The Caravan Club has pledged to accelerate a seven-figure investment in Forfar’s Lochside site after a final decision by Angus Council to grant the organisation a 50-year lease there.
Having signed up for a 30-year term after Lochside was one of three council-owned sites put out to private tender in 2009, councillors split on the merits of extending the term.
Forfar husband and wife councillors Bill and Glennis Middleton led the opposition, saying that while they appreciated the promised investment in the site and the economic boost, they did not think an additional 20 years was sensible or best value.
Angus neighbourhood services convener Jim Millar said he was “hugely impressed” by the firm’s operation and future plans, and said he was bemused by opposition to the extended lease request, which was voted through 16-12 at the latest meeting of the full council.
“Last year the site attracted no fewer than 18,500 visitors in its first season of operation and the club is confident they are well on track to raising this to 25,000 visitors each year,” said Mr Millar.
“They are so confident they received planning permission from this council to bring forward their major investment by three years.
“Good use is being made of an asset which, frankly, used to cost the council money and we are encouraging a greater number of tourists and the spend that they bring with them to Forfar and the area.
“It appears inconceivable that we would cut off our nose to spite our face to deny Forfar and area a class-leading tourism opportunity which will bring economic advantage to businesses and citizens in Angus as well as a rising income to the council.
“Much tosh has been uttered about the potential length of the lease but we have no qualms about giving even longer leases on community-owned ground to golf courses, among others,” he added.
“In my opinion, caravanners throughout the county will bring in as much revenue as the Chinese golfing elite we keep hearing about and we should grasp these opportunities, not reject them.”
The deal signals the green light for a major upgrade next winter of the reception/amenity building at Lochside, which the club says will bring its Lochside investment to £1.25 million.
Club officials believe the popularity of the site will bring a boost of at least £2.5 million to the local business community each year.
More than 50 all-weather caravan pitches, extra disabled parking and other improvements are also part of the Caravan Club plan.