A group which represents Loch Lomond businesses has raised traffic concerns over plans for a £40m tourist resort in Balloch.
The Loch Lomond Association (LLA) has submitted a letter to planners amid fears the development would add to major traffic congestion and deter regular visitors.
The organisation, which was founded in 1981, describes itself as the lead lobbying group representing water users, riparian owners and businesses providing shore-side facilities.
After withdrawing plans in 2019 following 60,000 objections, the Yorkshire-based theme park operator recently lodged plans for 127 woodland lodges, a water park, hotel, monorail and much more on the shores of Loch Lomond.
In the letter, LLA said: “Based on the current application the view of the LLA is that while the development of the designated area of land would be welcomed what is being proposed would add considerably to the traffic management problems already experienced in the surrounding area, particularly the main A82 arterial route.”
“At present the A82 northbound traffic passing through Dumbarton to Balloch and beyond and that in the opposing direction, southbound on the A82 along the west shore of Loch Lomond to Balloch, already create major traffic congestion during the summer months.
“This is particularly the case at weekends and public holidays when the Balloch area can become all but gridlocked.
“This not only creates great inconvenience and frustration to local residents and visitors alike, but adds to the almost unsurmountable access difficulties for the emergency services and is putting lives at much greater risk.”
It added that such a scenario would be “highly off-putting” to regular visitors and discourage public use of local facilities.
The issue of traffic was raised at a West Dunbartonshire Council pre-application consultation in November last year – which was a major factor in the local authority objecting the first time around.
The council’s roads department has said it has “no objections”, and comments that a travel plan should be produced encouraging other modes of transportation with suitable incentives.
Ramblers Scotland, which has more than 6,500 members, has submitted an objection to planners claiming the proposed scheme could lead to an increase in carbon emissions and impact the local community as well as ancient woodland.
Woodland Trust Scotland has also objected on the basis of damage and loss of ancient woodland if the plan are agreed.
Jim Paterson, development director for Lomond Banks, said: “Our traffic assessments – which have been reviewed by Transport Scotland and West Dunbartonshire Council, without objection – have highlighted that this accommodation-led development for long-stay visitors will operate within the known capacities of the surrounding road network.
“We have, however, pledged to join wider discussions within the national park to examine how the larger traffic issues in the surrounding area might be remedied.
“A key objective for us during submission has been to put in measures to minimise adverse impact on the woodland area as much as possible.
“This includes preserving the ancient woodland at Drumkinnon by completely removing any development from it, and improving the woodland provision overall.”
