Developers behind the £40m Flamingo land plan for Loch Lomond say a new agreement with Transport Scotland announced today is ‘a significant milestone’.
There have been over 300 objections to the plan, which includes over 100 self-catering lodges, two hotels, a waterpark and monorail, while thousands of people have signed a petition.
But the develop say the Lomond Banks plan for Balloch would have ‘minimal impact’ on existing roads, while potential upgrades to the A82’s Stoneymollan roundabout would be supported.
The agreement with Transport Scotland, which would form a Section 48 legal agreement if the planning application is approved by Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority, has been the subject of discussions since last summer.
Development director Jim Paterson 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 Lomond Promise would legally bind the developer into obligations including no zero-hour contracts, real living wages, job and training opportunities for local people, and 24/7 access to woodland paths and national walkways.
Mr Paterson added: 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.”
Details of the plan and public comments are on the national park website – the reference number is 2022/0157/PPP .
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