Flamingo Land announce deal with transport chiefs
DEVELOPERS behind controversial plans to build a major new tourist resort at Loch Lomond have announced a significant agreement with transport bosses.
The £40 million proposals by Yorkshire-based Flamingo Land to build a tourist and visitor complex, including a hotel, selfcatering lodges and a water park, in Balloch have already been met with more than 80,000 objections.
According to campaigners, the development has become the most unpopular planning application in Scottish history.
Various versions of the Lomond Banks plans have been considered over eight years with the current blueprints for the site including a hotel, a monorail, more than 100 lodges and a watersports hub.
Lomond Banks has announced that they have finalised an agreement with Transport Scotland to help address apprehension around potential road impacts within the area.
The agreement with Transport Scotland, which would form a Section 48 legal agreement should the planning application progress, has been in discussions since the summer of last year.
It would see Transport Scotland’s proposals for upgrades to the Stoneymollan roundabout prioritised, ensuring there would be direct community benefits, should its plans progress.
Jim Paterson, development director for Lomond Banks, said: “In order to demonstrate to the local community that we are committed to them and the promises we have made, we created our ‘Lomond Promise’, a unilateral agreement setting out a list of pledges that ensure we will play our part and be a good employer,
a good neighbour and a good partner whenever we can.
“We also know the transport issues around Loch Lomond have been a concern, so we considered it vitally important to instruct updates to the transport assessments at peak times and form this new, legally binding agreement with Transport Scotland to help prioritise their proposed upgrades for Stoneymollan roundabout and mitigate any impact Lomond Banks may have, should our plans progress.”
The team at Lomond Banks has refined their plans to reassure the community that it considers the needs and wants of the local area.
Their latest proposal contains an updated summer transport assessment, highlighting the minimal impact on existing roads, alongside supporting potential upgrades to the A82’s Stoneymollan roundabout.
Jim added: “As we approach the final stages of this process, we believe Lomond Banks will not only revitalise the gateway to Loch
Lomond but offer an added boost to existing complementing businesses that already operate here and provide numerous opportunities for those keen to work with a progressive and forward-thinking employer.
“As such, Lomond Banks is committed to being an active and responsible participant within the Balloch community for many years to come.”
For more information about Lomond Banks visit lomondbanks. com.