Flamingo Land says it has made a legally binding promise on its local commitments if its controversial £40m Loch Lomond development goes ahead.
The developer says that ‘The Lomond Promise’ commits it to vows made to the community at pre-application stage, relating to jobs and training, supporting local business and supply chain, alongside measures to maintain and conserve the ancient woodland of Drumkinnon Wood.
Commitment to maintaining access, providing sustainable transport measures and efforts to manage anti-social behaviour are also outlined.
Hundreds of people have objected to the plans, with thousands signing an online pettion.
But Jim Paterson, development director for Lomond Banks, said: “The Lomond Promise removes any doubt that may exist within the local community about our intentions for the site in the long term and demonstrates our commitment to being an active and responsible participant of the Balloch business community.
Read more: New visualisations of Flamingo Land’s plan revealed
“It is very clear in this situation that the community and their thoughts around our proposed development must be heard and properly considered, so we have directly addressed those concerns by providing the community with what is essentially a contractual guarantee that the measures we have put forward will be delivered.
“The Lomond Promise sets out a legally binding contract that should planning permission in principle be granted, we will be legally obliged to implement its terms as part of the development.
“We are steadfast in our belief that we can bring considerable economic and social benefit to Balloch and the wider area with our proposed development, not to mention a much-loved tourism destination that will revitalise the gateway to Loch Lomond and offer a wider boost to existing businesses that already operate here.”
Traffic has been highlighted a a key issue, and the document states that Lomond Banks will put a strong focus on this, producing a sustainable travel plan and actively encouraging other means of transport.
Mr Paterson added: “Whilst our transport assessments have demonstrated that the impact of our development on the surrounding road networks would be minimal, we appreciate that the potential for increased traffic flows across the road network remain an ongoing concern for residents.
“Our Lomond Promise commits us to joining a steering group to work through a sustainable travel plan for the area to find a long-term solution to the issues.
“Amongst other measures we have also committed to exploring all opportunities to provide integrated bus and / or rail travel tickets to the development to reduce private car usage and alleviate some of these concerns.”
The document covers:
- No zero-hour contracts
- Real living wages
- Job and training opportunities for local people
- Commitment to local business, supply chain and marketing campaigns
- Mitigating traffic impact
- 24/7 access to woodland paths and national walkways
- Preserving, protecting and enhancing Drumkinnon Wood
- Subsidised entry to facilities for residents (where charges apply)
- Measures to control anti-social behaviour
Full details of the plans are available on the national park authority website – the reference number is 2022/0157/PPP.
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