A FRESH application for a massive resort at Loch Lomond is “hugely worrying”, the Scottish Greens have said.
Flamingo Land, the developer behind the Lomond Banks project, has set out a new proposal for a tourist spot in the area after the last one was withdrawn.
Plans include a refurbished tourist information building, up to a 60-bed hotel and 127 self-catering lodges.
Reacting to the latest proposal, MSP Ross Greer said the Save Loch Lomond campaign scored a “major win” - but he added that the scale of the project would continue to put “huge pressure” on local services.
The theme park firm's new plans will no longer include development in the ancient woodland at Drumkinnon Wood.
Flamingo Land said it has now adopted an “enhanced ecological approach” to protect the local environment.
The Scottish Greens warned concerns around the resort remained.
Greer said: “This is a huge application and it’s going to take us some time to digest the details but it looks like our Save Loch Lomond campaign has scored at least one major win, the preservation of Drumkinnon Woods.
“That being said, the overall scale of the proposals are still the same, with a roughly similar number of lodges and a hotel of exactly the same capacity as last time. This will put huge pressure on local roads and have an obvious impact on residents.
“Our concerns about continued unobstructed access to the woods for local residents also still stand and the principle of selling off public land to a private developer like this rightly makes many people feel deeply uncomfortable, so these plans are still hugely worrying.”
The West Scotland MSP added that Flamingo Land have “proven themselves totally undeserving of trust”.
The LibDems said Loch Lomond was the wrong location for this type of development.
Rural affairs spokesperson Beatrice Wishart MSP said: "The developers of Flamingo Land have consistently behaved like a wrecking ball. It's no wonder locals do not want to see these plans go ahead.
"Scotland has an astonishing natural environment that brings in tourists from around the world. A national park is the wrong place for a development like this."
Jim Paterson, development director for the Lomond Banks project, said the project would be beneficial to the local community.
He 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.”
He said the firm’s environmental and commercial commitment to Balloch and West Riverside “remains steadfast”.
He said Flamingo Land wanted to complement what makes Loch Lomond so attractive to visitors.
He continued: "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 Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerce, said the area is already one of Scotland’s leading visitor destinations.
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.”
Scott said he was encouraged by the response to engagement events with local businesses carried out by Lomond Banks last year as part of a public consultation leading up to the new plans.
He continued: “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.
“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.”
The altered proposals now include:
- Refurbished tourist information building
- Up to 60-bedroom apart-hotel
- Up to 32-bedspace budget hotel
- Up to 127 self-catering lodges of various sizes
- Reconstruction and refurbishment of Woodbank House to provide up to 15 self-catering apartments
- Reconstruction and refurbishment of the attendant structures at Woodbank to provide up to six self-catering units
- Leisure pool/water park/spa facility
- Water sports hub
- Water sports equipment storage building
- Restaurants / café / retail areas
- Craft brewery, including pub
- Visitor reception area and hub building
- External activity areas including event/performance areas, children’s play areas, picnic and barbeque areas
- Monorail
- Parking area
