A charity has welcomed a decision to refuse planning permission for a weddings and functions complex at Loch Lomond.

The proposals would have seen six buildings, a swimming pool and new access roads constructed at the Wards Estate, near Gartocharn on the southern banks of the loch.

However, the plans are now dead in the water after the National Park Authority refused to grant planning permission for the development.

James Fraser, chairman of the conservation charity Friends of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs, welcomed the decision.

He said: ‘’We are pleased plans for this major development have at long last been rejected which means the special high value landscape and nature conservation qualities of the area that sweeps down to the southern shores of Loch Lomond near Gartocharn will be protected from further creeping suburbanisation.

‘’The plans for a large functions venue and associated mansion houses and swimming pools were totally inappropriate in this scenic location and right next to the RSPB National Nature Reserve which is home to a rich variety of wildlife and an important staging post for migrating geese.’’

The Wards Estate proposals were submitted several years ago and have been subject to a series of reviews and impact assessment studies due to the sensitivity of the site.

They attracted objections from the local community council, RSPB, Friends of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs and many local residents.

Another proposed development, the Lomond Banks resort, has also drawn criticism from locals and campaigners this year.

A petition against the planned £30m resort near Balloch – which would include a 60-bedroom hotel, craft brewery, leisure centre and restaurants, has gathered more than 55,000 signatures.

West Dunbartonshire Council has recommended that the plans are rejected, but the final decision will be made by the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park board at a future date.