Flamingo Land's £40m resort near Loch Lomond would provide 'over 200 jobs', developers say

A new £40m resort near the banks of Loch Lomond would provide over 200 full and part-time jobs for the local area, developers have claimed.

The plans, which would see a tourism destination built with holiday homes and a monorail near the beauty spot, have been subject to the highest number of objections in Scottish planning history.

More than 65,000 protesters have signed a petition against the development from the Scottish Green Party.

However, questions have been raised over where the signatures have come from with Yorkshire-based firm Flamingo Land, who are behind the proposals, branding the petition a “sham”.

The company have now doubled down in a pledge to the people of Balloch in West Dunbartonshire and say it would “provide numerous job opportunities for the local community”.

Various versions of the plans have been considered over seven years with the current blueprints for the site including a hotel, a monorail, more than 100 lodges and a watersports hub.

Scottish Greens MSP Ross Greer has led a campaign against the development claiming it would ruin the local landscape.

He previously said: “There can be no clearer sign for those considering this nature wrecking application that the public do not want it in our National Park.

“A record number of people, more than the 60,000 who objected previously, agree that this is the wrong plan for the wrong place and that it should be rejected at the earliest opportunity.”

On Friday, Flamingo Land outlined their Unilateral Voluntary Undertaking, known as ‘The Lomond Promise’, to the National Park which includes commitments for rejuvenation of the town, which has areas of high deprivation.

The firm believe over 350 gross temporary construction jobs will be created during the building stage in addition to over 200 full and part-time permanent jobs.

The commitments also includes assurances that jobs will offer at least the Real Living Wage and ensure no contracts are zero-hours.

Jim Paterson, development director, said: “We are steadfast in our belief that Lomond Banks will bring considerable economic and social benefit to both Balloch and the wider area.

“Having listened to feedback from the community, businesses and stakeholders throughout the consultation process, we know that these issues are important to residents and so have ensured that fair working practices and supporting local businesses within the area are engrained within our legally binding ‘Lomond Promise’.

“We believe our proposal will not only revitalise the gateway to Loch Lomond but offer a wider boost to existing businesses that already operate here and provide numerous opportunities for those keen to work for a progressive and forward thinking employer.

“As such, Lomond Banks is committed to being an active and responsible participant of the Balloch business community for many years to come.”

The development is undergoing a 30-day consultation period with Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.

A spokesperson for the park previously said: “An application of this scale takes a significant amount of time to assess and determine.

“Our officers are currently working through all the submitted documents for this application, including the advice received from statutory consultees and all public comments.

“The planning case officer will then write a report of recommendation to our members to either approve or refuse the application.

“This will be followed by a meeting held in public, where a decision will be taken by the National Park Authority Board or Planning and Access Committee to determine the outcome of the application.

“No determination date has yet been set for this application.”

STV News has contacted the Scottish Green Party for comment.