Lomond Banks: Bosses insist Flamingo Land plans have changed

Flamingo Land, the company behind the plans, said they had moved away from their "traditional portfolio of theme parks" and that their Balloch proposals would be an "accommodation-led resort" and would bring much-needed investment to the area.

They said they had reflected on their original designs - which were withdrawn in September 2019 - before submitting the new plans for the West Riverside and Woodbank House sites, which include hotels and accommodation, a monorail, a water park, and much more.

Under the new plans - for which an application for 'planning permission in principle' was made public on Thursday - there will be no development in the ancient woodland at Drumkinnon Wood, while Flamingo Land says it has adopted an "enhanced ecological approach" to protect the enviroment.

READ MORE: Lomond Banks: New planning permission application revealed

The company's previous application was withdrawn after more than 50,000 objections were lodged with the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority - whose officers then recommended that planning permission should not be granted.

The developers are continuing to describe the proposals as a "multi-million-pound investment" in the area, but the new plans do not not detail how many jobs might be created.

Jim Paterson, development director for the Lomond Banks project, said: “After an extensive period of reflection, community liaison and enhanced ecological studies to make Lomond Banks the best it can be, I am delighted to be submitting our plans and taking forward a proposal which we believe is both robust and of benefit to the local community.

“We have listened to the issues raised throughout our consultation process, and the plans now include very significant amendments to ensure Lomond Banks will be in keeping with its environment and protect its treasured assets.

“Our environmental and commercial commitment to Balloch and West Riverside remains steadfast, and we want to complement what makes Loch Lomond so attractive to visitors.

"Our aim would be to invest and hire locally, as well as working with local businesses to maximise the benefits of the development for all.” 

Damon Scott, chief executive of Dumbartonshire Chamber of Commerce, said the area of West Riverside had already been transformed into a leading visitor destination and gateway to Loch Lomond and the Highlands.

He said: "The project has already been a successful catalyst for the wider regeneration of the area and Balloch has undergone an amazing transformation as a result of the continued work and investment of the public sector partners and private enterprise.

“The ongoing improvements in infrastructure and the compelling mix of shops, restaurants, activities, accommodation and other businesses in the village continues to provide visitors with more reasons to come, stay longer and spend more in our local economy.

“Loch Lomond Shores is now established as one of Scotland’s top visitor destinations attracting and managing over a million visitors sustainably and giving them access to the wonderful views of Loch Lomond and beyond.”

Mr Scott said he had been encouraged by the response to the engagement sessions with local businesses carried out by Lomond Banks last year as part of a programme of public consultation leading up to the submission of the new plans.

“The consultations provided an important opportunity for our business community to build a clear understanding of the updated plans, ask questions and provide feedback to help shape the final version of the planning submission," Mr Scott added.

“It is extremely encouraging that many of their priority areas – local supply chain, sustainability, skills and employability - now form an integral part of the planning application.

“There was also a recognition of the significant economic benefits the development would have for their own businesses and the wider area to create job opportunities and support skills development.

"This is of particular importance for communities in the area that have some of the highest levels of multiple deprivation in Scotland.”

Conservative MSP Pam Gosal, whose West Scotland region includes the area, said: "This revised application includes a huge amount of detail at this stage, though the details are fundamentally similar to the previous proposals which were deeply unpopular with residents.

“Developments of this kind should not go ahead against the wishes of local communities, so I encourage as many residents as possible to engage with these new plans and have their voices heard.”