THE public will this week get their first chance to grill the people behind Flamingo Land's proposed £30m leisure development at West Riverside, Balloch.

Representatives from Flamingo Land's project team will be on hand this Friday at Unit 7, Loch Lomond Shores, to show off the plans and to answer any queries.

Friday's event runs from 1.30pm to 7.30pm and is designed to ensure that the public get the chance to view and comment on the proposals.

A spokesperson for Flamingo Land said: "We hope through the course of the consultations that we can reach as many people as we can, not only those in the adjoining communities but further afield.

"Representatives will be pleased to discuss the emerging proposals and respond to any queries/comments."

Two additional public events will be held at Lomond Shores on Saturday, November 18 from 9.30am to 1.30pm and Monday, December 4, from 1.30pm to 7.30pm as the consultation continues.

Saturday's event is understood to be more geared towards families, with materials for children to get their hands on.

In September last year, The Reporter told how Scottish Enterprise appointed Flamingo Land Limited as the preferred developer for its 20 hectare site at West Riverside, Balloch, in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.

Flamingo Land propose to bring forward a comprehensive masterplan for the site including lodges, a boutique hotel, hostel and 'glamping pods' together with a range of high quality family based attractions and restaurants.

At the time Gordon Gibb, chief executive of Flamingo Land Limited, said they saw “huge potential” on the west riverside and viewed the proposed development as a “fantastic opportunity” to create a family oriented attraction.

He added: “We are excited by the prospect of creating a resort in the national park that recognises the importance and sensitivity of the site.”

They have now submitted a Proposal of Application Notice (PAN), which starts the firing pistol on a period of public consultation.

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park authority confirmed they've received a ‘Proposal of Application Notice’ for West Riverside and the Woodbank House site in Balloch and that the proposal will be classed as a "major development."

A Flamingo Land spokesman added: "When this has been submitted we will enter into a 12-week process and within this process we will be holding public consultations.

"This will allow everyone in the local area to come and speak with our team, express their concerns and help us allay any fears they have with regard the project which help shape the planning proposal."

Further details of the consultation and how you can give feedback will be available at www.iconicleisuredevelopments.co.uk.

Members of the public will also have the opportunity to make representations to the Planning Authority once an application is submitted.