Developers behind plans for a £40m ‘sustainable tourism resort’ in Balloch have reaffirmed their belief that the proposals will benefit the region.
Speaking after a petition against Flamingo Land’s plans for Lomond Banks passed the 70,000 mark, development director Jim Paterson said: “We are steadfast in our belief that Lomond Banks will bring considerable economic and social benefit to both Balloch and the wider area.”
If approved, the resort would include a water park, monorail, swimming pool, hotel, lodges and eateries.
Flamingo Land, which is behind the development, say they have made “significant amendments” to original proposals for the land at West Riverside, which were withdrawn in 2019 after more than 60,000 public objections.
In December, the Loch Lomond Trossachs National Park Authority sent a scathing letter to Flamingo Land hitting out at a range of missing details from their proposals, including a lack of clarity on the potential impact on woodland and water quality. That led the firm to revise the plans again in February, dropping a proposal to build on ancient woodland.
As the resubmitted plans continue through their consultation phase, the developers were keen to highlight ‘The Lomond Promise’ they made to the National Park – which legally binds its promises for the area into legal obligations for the proposed development.
The legally binding pledge includes: no zero-hour contracts, real living wages, job and training opportunities for local people, a commitment to local business, supply chain and marketing campaigns, mitigating traffic impact, 24/7 access to woodland paths and national walkways, preserving, protecting and enhancing Drumkinnon Wood, subsidised entry to facilities for residents (where charges apply) and measures to control anti-social behaviour.
Flamingo Land say that an estimated 200 full-time and part-time jobs will be required to run the new resort.
Jim Paterson, development director, said: “We are steadfast in our belief that Lomond Banks will bring considerable economic and social benefit to both Balloch and the wider area.
“Having listened to feedback from the community, businesses and stakeholders throughout the consultation process, we know that these issues are important to residents and so have ensured that fair working practices and supporting local businesses within the area are ingrained within our legally binding ‘Lomond Promise’.
“We believe our proposal will not only revitalise the gateway to Loch Lomond but offer a wider boost to existing businesses that already operate here and provide numerous opportunities for those keen to work for a progressive and forward-thinking employer.
“As such, Lomond Banks is committed to being an active and responsible participant of the Balloch business community for many years to come.”
Last week campaigning Green MSP Ross Greer vowed to take the developers to court if the plans were given the go ahead.
He said: “There are simply no grounds on which to grant consent to such a destructive and unwelcome development. Loch Lomond is a national treasure and I’m prepared to use every tool at my disposal to protect it.”
