THE tourism firm behind plans for a £30 million development on the banks of Loch Lomond, branded "the most unpopular planning application in Scotland's history," is set to submit fresh proposals for the Balloch site.

The Scottish Government's economic development agency, Scottish Enterprise, announced today (Tuesday) that it has reached an agreement with Flamingo Land for the Lomond Banks resort.

The decision comes amid growing pressure from local politicians for an 'exclusivity agreement' between the two parties to be cancelled - and follows Flamingo Land's withdrawal of its initial plans last September in the face of more than 50,000 public objections.

It has now been confirmed that new plans for the riverside destination will be drawn up, with a promise of "up to 200 tourism and hospitality jobs" being created once the site is complete, as well as significant numbers in the construction phase.

Scottish Enterprise’s Allan McQuade said: “The plans for Lomond Banks present a really timely positive news story for the local economy but also for tourism in Scotland, both of which have suffered hugely as a result of the pandemic.

“This development will bring much needed employment and investment to the area, while maintaining the integrity of the local environment.”

He added: “There were never any intentions to create a theme park at Lomond Banks and rumours to that effect were not based in fact, and the developers will continue to ensure that there is full consultation with the local community.

“Scottish Enterprise has a responsibility to bring quality jobs and economic opportunity, but also to sustainability, the fight against climate change and building places for communities.

“These factors are central to everything we do, and we look forward to seeing them play a huge part in the future development of Lomond Banks.”

Scottish Green Party MSP Ross Greer, who spearheaded the campaign to stop the development, said Scottish Enterprise was "betraying Loch Lomond".

Mr Greer said: “This is an outrage and will cause huge upset to the community in Balloch. A public agency that ignores the wishes of the public is not fit for purpose.

“Flamingo Land’s destructive plans were the most unpopular planning application in Scottish history, with overwhelming local and national opposition.

"The developer has consistently acted in bad faith and clearly has no interest in what the local community actually wants or needs. Scottish Enterprise owns this land and as a public body they are directly accountable to the Scottish Government through the economy secretary, Fiona Hyslop.

"Ms Hyslop must step in immediately to prevent this exclusive agreement from being renewed. The community are exhausted by this saga but if forced to, they will continue to defend Loch Lomond’s world-famous natural environment from those only interested in exploiting it for profit.”