Lomond Banks - World Class Family Tourism Destination

Category: News

TEAM BEHIND LOMOND BANKS’ PROPOSAL RESPONDS TO SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT REPORTER DECISION

16th May 2025

Jim Paterson, Development Director for Lomond Banks, said: “This is a real milestone moment for the Lomond Banks vision, and has been a long time in the making.

“Our proposals have been informed by more than two years of positive engagement with the local community and key stakeholders. At the heart of our plans is a commitment to sustainable investment, local jobs, and a long-term partnership with the area, backed by our legally binding Lomond Promise to ensure the future prosperity of Balloch and beyond. “We are delighted by the decision made by the Scottish Government reporter today. As we look beyond today’s decision, we remain committed to being a strong and valued contributor to the local economy and we look forward to progressing with our proposals as we now consider detailed planning.” 

ENCOURAGING UPDATED POSITION STATEMENT FROM SEPA AS LOMOND BANKS PLANNING JOURNEY REACHES FINAL STAGES

The team behind Lomond Banks has welcomed an updated positioning statement from SEPA, outlining that it would review its objection should Loch Lomond and the National Park confirm the categorisation of the land as being previously developed.

This step in the process heralds final submissions from statutory consultees following over two years of consultations, liaison with the community, shaping the plans to meet the needs of the local area and complying with the relevant National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) policies, which were recently introduced.

The letter from 5 June highlighted that if the Planning Authority consider that an exception applies, SEPA would lift its current objection on the PPiP (Planning Permission in Principle) proposals but withheld its right to review further at detailed planning stages.

Development director for Lomond Banks, Jim Paterson, said: “We are encouraged by SEPA’s considered response. It highlights that should the National Park Authority determine the land use classification of West Riverside and Station Square as a previously used site, where the Local Development Plan has identified a need to bring it into positive use and complies with the exceptions criteria of NPF4 Policy 22a – Flood Risk and Water Management, then it has no objection to the principle of development at West Riverside and Station Square.

“Should this In Principle Planning Application be approved, the final numbers, scale and location of structures within all areas of the Lomond Banks proposal would be subject to further scrutiny by SEPA and all statutory consultees at the detailed planning application stage. Further detailed assessments including flood risk will help define the exact details for West Riverside and Station Square.

“This correspondence also signifies the end of the statutory consultation period. We have worked diligently to ensure we have provided ample evidence to support the proposal’s compliance with NPF4 Policy 22a exceptions criteria and anticipate the National Park’s formal classification in due course.”

Now in its final stages ahead of a determination from Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park following a ‘no objection’ from West Dunbartonshire Council (WDC), and recent support from the leader of WDC, Martin Rooney, the proposed £40m sustainable, world-class tourism destination would bring significant economic investment and considerable jobs to Balloch.

With all items now responded to, it is expected that the National Park will consider its position and work towards reaching a determination on the Planning Permission in Principle application.

The proposals, which have been reshaped considerably since they were first submitted back in 2017, have been supported by many local business groups and organisations including the Dumbarton Chamber of Commerce, the Maid of the Loch, Sweeneys Cruises, Friends of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, as well as Helensburgh and District Access Trust. These groups recognise the fantastic opportunity, such as inward investment in the local area, could mean for the surrounding community and beyond.

Alongside construction, Flamingo Land Resort has a strong record in fair working, as well as providing excellent education and development opportunities through training for its team and the site at Lomond Banks would be no different, with a commitment on fair working, educational opportunities for local people and establishing a local supply chain to benefit the wider business community through its Lomond Promise.

Once open, the world-class sustainable tourist destination would require a diverse range of employees, with potential roles available across entry-level positions to highly skilled vacancies, covering full-time, part-time and seasonal posts for the area.

Jim concluded: “As we reach this final stage, 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 with a progressive and forward-thinking employer. As such, Lomond Banks is committed to being an active and responsible participant within the Balloch business community for many years to come.”

LOMOND BANKS MAKES ROADS PROMISE AS FINAL STAGES OF PLANNING CAMPAIGN APPROACHES

-Transport Scotland deal to mitigate roads impact signed off in latest plans given to National Park-

Lomond Banks has today (6 March) announced a significant milestone in its proposed £40 million sustainable world-class tourism destination project, as it finalised a crucial agreement with Transport Scotland to help address apprehension around potential road impacts within the area.

With more than two years of extensive consultations and community engagement, the team at Lomond Banks have refined their plans to reassure the community that it takes into consideration the needs and wants of the local area, including its latest submission, which contains a recently updated summer transport assessment, highlighting the minimal impact on existing roads, alongside supporting potential upgrades to the A82’s Stoneymollan roundabout.

The agreement with Transport Scotland, which would form a Section 48 legal agreement should the planning application progress, has been in discussions since summer 2023 and confirms Lomond Banks’ dedication to listening to the local community by directly supporting and prioritising Transport Scotland’s proposals for upgrades to the Stoneymollan roundabout, ensuring there would be direct community benefits, should its plans progress.

Having already created the Lomond Promise, a voluntary undertaking which legally binds the developer into a number of obligations, including no zero-hour contracts, real living wages, job and training opportunities for local people, alongside a commitment to 24/7 access to woodland paths and national walkways as well as preserving, protecting and enhancing Drumkinnon Wood – it is hoped that if given the opportunity, the Transport Scotland legal agreement will further reinforce the developers commitment to Balloch and the surrounding area.  

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.”

Throughout the process, Lomond Banks has been buoyed by support, both by the local community and businesses including the Dumbarton Chamber of Commerce, the Maid of the Loch, Friends of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, Helensburgh and District Access. These groups were able to recognise the fantastic opportunity such an inward investment in the local area could mean for the surrounding community and beyond.

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.”

Lomond Banks Reaffirms Economic Pledges for Balloch and Surrounding Area

Flamingo Land, the developers behind the proposed £40m world class sustainable tourism destination in Balloch, has reaffirmed its pledge that the development would provide numerous job opportunities for the local community and beyond, alongside a plethora of economic benefits, should plans be approved.

As the resubmitted plans continue through the required 30-day consultation phase, the developers are keen to highlight once again its Unilateral Voluntary Undertaking, known as ‘The Lomond Promise’ to the National Park, which legally binds its promises for the area into legal obligations for the proposed development.

Within ‘The Lomond Promise’, Flamingo Land has committed to the vows it has made to the community at pre-application stage, relating to a number of areas, including employment and training alongside supporting local businesses and supply chain.

Flamingo Land believe that through construction to its operation, Lomond Banks will deliver a significant economic boost for the local area with high investment figures and direct and indirect jobs, including over 360 gross temporary construction job opportunities created during the building phase alone.

Having vowed to use local businesses and suppliers where possible throughout the construction of Lomond Banks, it’s estimated that the development will bring with it a projected £3million gross construction GVA, £1.5million, net construction GVA in the Wider Region and a £2million net construction GVA to Scotland itself.

Alongside construction, Flamingo Land has a strong record in fair working as well as excellent education and development opportunities through training for its team and the site at Lomond Banks will be no different, with a commitment on fair working, educational opportunities for local people and establishing a local supply chain to benefit the wider business community in the area.

Once open, the world class sustainable tourist destination will require a diverse range of workers, with potential roles available across entry-level positions to highly skilled vacancies, covering full-time, part-time and seasonal posts for the area.

The ‘Lomond Promise’ sets out within the legally binding contract that should planning permission in principle be granted, Lomond Banks will commit to providing the real living wage and ensure that there are no zero-hour contracts for the estimated 200 full-time and part-time jobs that will be required to run the eco-resort.

Jim Paterson, Development Director for Lomond Banks, 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.”

Lomond Banks Submits Revised Plans to Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park

Revised plans for Lomond Banks – the proposed £40m world class sustainable tourism destination in Balloch – were submitted today (23 February 2023).

The resubmission follows ongoing community feedback throughout the planning application process and a recent request from Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park Authority to ensure the proposals further meet the vision for the area at West Riverside and Woodbank House, which has been identified for tourism development.

Having considered all of the feedback from the Park Authority, the community, and stakeholders alike we have made some significant amendments to support questions raised around, scale of development and the environment, including biodiversity and ecology and traffic and parking.

Some of the major changes include the complete removal of the proposed Area 10 from within the application’s red line boundary, with existing woodland retained instead. The previously proposed staff accommodation and facilities will now be absorbed into other areas of the development including Station Square, Woodbank House and Visitor Hub.

The density of holiday accommodation at Woodbank House has also been significantly reduced, by removing all 17 woodland bothies alongside five woodland lodges from this development area. Existing non-native and invasive species will also be removed and replaced with native trees and planting instead.

The reduced scale of development has produced further opportunities to plant more trees, enhancing the woodland setting for many of the self-catering lodges. It has also allowed the retention of all trees in Area 10 (the former area set aside for staff facilities area) and increased native tree planting at Woodbank, resulting in higher net biodiversity gain compared to the original proposals submitted.

Further still, we have also committed to retaining the amount of previously proposed compensatory planting, ensuring there is no reduction in terms of their input to biodiversity value.

Jim Paterson, Development Director for Lomond Banks, said: “We have been committed to listening to the National Park, the local community, local businesses and all other key stakeholders, and their feedback to date has really helped to shape our plans into something that fits the vision for a tourism business of the future, which Balloch and the wider Loch Lomond area could truly benefit from.

“We welcomed this latest feedback from the Park Authority and much of it aligned with what we were hearing from the community. We got to work to modify the proposals accordingly with our partners by removing Area 10, retaining more trees, bringing down lodge and bothy numbers and ensuring an overall higher net biodiversity gain.”  

We have also provided further information on our parking strategy to reassure the National Park on the ample provision we have put in place across the development for the facilities that will be on offer. We have also provided further traffic statistics for different times of the year to indicate the uptake on traffic numbers at key locations in and around the area at peak times.

Jim added: “I must be very clear that the opposition is using traffic and parking as a scaremongering tool and their statistics and conclusions are simply not accurate. Whilst we do appreciate the road network is an ongoing concern for those living around the A82, our surveys have indicated that the development simply will not bring the concentrated numbers at peak times that it is being accused of and we have mitigated this further by introducing measures such as staggered check-in and check-out times to ensure this is not the case.

“All traffic surveys submitted to our statutory consultees West Dunbartonshire Council Roads Department have, to date, been satisfactory. We have also submitted a comprehensive parking strategy to the National Park and conducted further surveys through peak seasons to submit to the Parks Authority. Alongside this, we have made a number of commitments to join working groups to look at sustainable travel planning and eco-travel at the venue, to help ease congestion for the longer term.”

In addition to traffic and transport the National Park asked us to provide assurances around the location and position of the John Muir Way, as a walkway of national importance. We have clarified this and assured once again our position on providing permanent access to all.

Jim concluded: “Our commitment to Balloch shines through with this amended submission. We have been steadfast in our dedication to making this submission about the community and it has been very much shaped by their voice and opinion. The plans blend the natural beauty and ecology of the area with the local business opportunities alongside the rejuvenation of Woodbank House – bringing back to life a forgotten treasure.

“We believe, our proposals continue to fulfil the objectives set out in the Local Development Plan and in the Balloch Charrette and that these revisions address the matters raised by interested parties, benefitting the  area, in a manner that both the local and wider community can be truly proud of for generations to come.”

The resubmission triggers a 30-day consultation period with all statutory consultees before the application can be progressed and determined by Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority.

A POSITIVE STEP FORWARD

-Helensburgh and District Access Trust Support Accessibility and Waymarking Plans for Lomond Banks-

Lomond Banks, the team behind the proposed £40 million world class sustainable tourism destination in Balloch, has welcomed further support from the Helensburgh and District Access Trust (HADAT) following the developer’s commitment to highlight the importance of both the John Muir Way and the Three Lochs Way, which run through the proposed development.

Jim Paterson, development director for Lomond Banks, who had previously given assurances that all areas of West Riverside, Drumkinnon Bay and woodland, and indeed the Estate surrounding Woodbank House, would remain fully accessible throughout the long-term future of the development, reaffirmed this commitment and gave further assurances that he would indeed celebrate the importance the area had within these prominent walkways. 

The Lomond Banks’ team has agreed that should planning be granted, the walkway areas going through the development would be maintained and enhanced signage and waymarking detailing its involvement in the routes would also be incorporated.

Both The Three lochs Way and The John Muir Way are listed by NatureScot as ‘Great Trails’ offering a high quality experience for walkers and mountain bikers exploring some of Scotland’s finest landscapes, history and heritage. The John Muir Trail links Helensburgh in the west with Dunbar in the east where the pioneering environmentalist Muir was born. The Three Lochs Way is a 34-mile walking and mountain biking route linking towns and villages along the southwestern fringe of Scotland’s first national park.

Jim Paterson, Development Director for Lomond Banks, said: “We are delighted to welcome the support of the Helensburgh and District Access Trust

“Our commitment is that Lomond Banks will be open and accessible to all 24/7, for all to enjoy. To be absolutely clear, no time limit has been placed on this commitment – it’s a long-term ambition. We are steadfast in our vision to integrate with the Balloch and wider Dunbartonshire community and we hope by reaffirming our commitment regarding access, and our pledges in relation to supporting and celebrating these Great Trails, that we are evidencing this.

John Urquhart, Convener of Helensburgh and District Access Trust, who have now submitted their note of support for Lomond Banks to the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park added: “As the voluntary body which promotes and maintains the popular Three Lochs Way ‘Great Trail’ walking route, Helensburgh and District Access Trust (HADAT) is pleased to support this application.

“It is clear to us there is strong synergy between the Lomond Banks developer and HADAT as we are both involved in providing good quality access to the countryside.”

Plans are currently under review by the National Park Authority and will be determined in due course. For more information on the planning submission or for information on how to show your support visit www.lomondbanks.com

Lomond Banks Team Welcomes ‘Friends of Loch Lomond’ support

“We are delighted to welcome a letter of support from the Friends of Loch Lomond. As a long established conservation and heritage group specifically focusing on Loch Lomond, their endorsement is invaluable and their helpful insights will certainly assist us with shaping our plans should we have the opportunity to bring forward detailed proposals.

“Their letter really emphasised the opportunity we and the community have here, thanks to the location of our planned development and its proximity to the public transport hub of Balloch with easily accessed rail, bus and water boat services, to think creatively about our support for Loch Lomond becoming a destination which people don’t automatically access and explore by car.

“There are examples of how this might work all over the world and we are committed to playing our part as a sustainable tourism destination to transition from being car dominated and moving towards more sustainable forms of travel – this also meets our Net Zero aspirations.

“We are delighted to consider all the options to meet the long held aspirations of the local community and improve connectivity around this area of the loch.”

Community Figures Rally Around Lomond Banks Development

Developer encouraged by community support

The team behind Lomond Banks, the proposed new world class tourist development on the banks of Loch Lomond, remain encouraged by community support – as well-known figures within the local area voice their support for their plans within Balloch.

Despite a campaign based on various unfounded claims by outside organisations against the proposal, local businesses, including the Maid of the Loch, have spoken up on the proposed development, which is set to bring over £40 million pounds of investment to the local area – with the creation of a sustainable accommodation-led resort in West Dunbartonshire.

Representing the Maid of the Loch, Iain Robertson, chairman of the charity, confirmed that the group were keen to see the proposals come to fruition as it would not only benefit their vision for Loch Lomond’s only paddle steamer, but would bring a lasting benefit to both the economy and community.

Speaking on Lomond Banks’ plans, Iain said: “The board of trustees have met, and we believe that this new application answers many of the questions that were raised the last time this project looked to get off the ground. As a board we have considered it carefully and believe that the Lomond Banks’ concept fits both with the local area and what the Maid of the Loch is trying to achieve.

“In an area that has lost so many jobs over the years, it is important that local people benefit from a successful development that complements the wider area and we believe that the proposed Lomond Banks plans will do just that. We hope that if successful, the developers will work with both us and other local businesses in making Balloch a place that people want to visit, stay and spend money in.”

Alongside the Maid of the Loch, local minister Ian Miller has also backed the proposed Lomond Banks plans and is calling for those still unsure about the development to seek out the submitted plans and form their own opinions.

Reverend Ian Miller, who has served the community of West Dunbartonshire for 47 years, said: “This area has been crying out for inward investment for too long and, as a member of the community council, I know we are desperate for this to happen.

“The plans proposed by Flamingo Land have been dogged by falsehoods and lies throughout the process, both in 2018 and now, including the misinformation that it would be a theme park. Lomond Banks was never going to be a theme park back in 2018 and again it certainly isn’t now.

“All I ask of my fellow neighbours and those in the wider area, is to seek out the plans, ask questions of the developers and make up your own mind. For me, I do believe that Lomond Banks will be both eco-friendly and complement the local area, providing a development that we can all be proud of for generations to come.”

With calls from the business community and local stakeholders for Lomond Banks to help create jobs, support training, development and the areas supply chain, Jim Paterson, development director for the project, was keen to provide these commitments.

He said: “We believe our £40million investment in Balloch will not only create a world class, eco-tourism destination, but that it will bring jobs to the area, boost the local economy and provide a strong and sustainable development that will help both regenerate and support West Dunbartonshire in the future.

“Having facilitated extensive public consultations prior to submission, we have listened carefully to a range of opinions, including local people, businesses and other stakeholders, and have reflected these in our submission. Throughout the process we have reiterated our commitment to working closely with businesses to ensure that the local area will benefit from the development throughout and we believe that Lomond Banks will create something that is fitting for the area and is sympathetic to its important location at the gateway of Loch Lomond.”

Lomond Banks reaffirms that proposed Balloch resort would be accessible to all

Flamingo Land, the developers behind the Lomond Banks proposals, has reaffirmed its pledge that the area of West Riverside, would remain accessible to all should plans be approved.

The area included with the plans, which stretches from Station Square in Balloch to Drumkinnon Bay at the water’s edge and along to Woodbank House, will remain fully accessible and free to roam to everyone, not just guests, staying at the £40million sustainable tourism resort.

The land in which the Lomond Banks resort would sit, has quite an industrial past and has been identified for tourism development within the National Park’s development plan as well as sitting within the vision of the Balloch Charrette for more than 30 years.

Developers are committed to preserving the natural landscape of the area and are reiterating that being a good neighbour and an accessible location for all to enjoy is at the very heart of its plans.

The revised proposals have removed any development in the ancient woodland area of Drumkinnon Wood to reflect this commitment and to ensure it is focused on retaining this ideal as it moves forward.

James Paterson, Development Director for Lomond Banks, said: “I would like to reaffirm our position that at no point would the resort be closed off to wider visitors. Our intention is to create a tourism and leisure resort that families can come and enjoy as part of their Loch Lomond/Balloch experience, not exclusively so. With this in mind, we wholly appreciate that ensuring access to the area is paramount to creating those strong links with the local community.

“These plans are within a location that for a long time has been designated for such a development, and we believe we have struck the right balance between bringing strong economic growth and employment opportunities to the area, being ecologically sensitive to the natural surroundings and ensuring Lomond Banks is something that everyone will be able to enjoy.

“We have consulted within the local community extensively over the last 12 months and have welcomed a lot of support for the plans, in particular around our accessibility pledge.”

LOMOND BANKS SUBMITS OUTLINE PLANNING APPLICATION TO THE NATIONAL PARK

-Developer submits revised plans for £40m sustainable world-class tourism destination in Balloch-

  • Revised plans include development of West Riverside and Woodbank House but removes all development from ancient woodland at Drumkinnon Wood
  • Considered and enhanced ecological approach to protect the natural environment
    • New vision for the site adjacent to the pierhead to be more fitting with the wider area and reduce visual impact
    • Outlines commitment to multi-million-pound investment with pledges from developer on economy and local job creation   
    • New accommodation-led resort will be completely bespoke to complement the local environment  

Flamingo Land has submitted its outline planning submission to build a £40million sustainable world-class tourist destination in Balloch, Loch Lomond.

This major milestone comes following nearly 12 months of extensive community liaison and consultation which has led to a number of fundamental changes to the plans compared to the previous submission lodged in 2018.

These include a revised vision of the site adjacent to the pierhead, separate to the public slipway managed by the National Park, to be more in keeping with the natural landscape, and the complete removal of any development in the ancient woodland of Drumkinnon Wood. More extensive ecological evaluations have also been undertaken for this submission to ensure a considered approach to the development and protection of the surrounding environment.

Breaking away from its traditional portfolio of theme parks, the proposed new Lomond Banks development being put forward by Flamingo Land will be centred around a new accommodation-led resort that will be devised to complement the local environment whilst bringing much needed investment and job creation to Balloch and West Dunbartonshire.

The new proposals for West Riverside and Woodbank House, which is adjacent to Loch Lomond Shores, have for some time been identified for tourism development in the Local Development Plan. The Lomond Banks development team will work with leading planning consultants, Stantec, and project architects, Anderson, Bell + Christie, to deliver the prestigious project.

Lomond Banks also includes the retention of the Grade A Listed Woodbank House, which is on the ‘Buildings at Risk’ register. The conservation and redevelopment of these listed structures within the site will be subject to future applications for Detailed Planning Permission and Listed Building Consent (LBC).

The development has also made significant pledges regarding employment, supporting local supply chain in the area as well as providing learning and training opportunities for visitors and staff alongside creating close links to local schools and colleges. 

Jim Paterson, development director for the Lomond Banks project, 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.

“Our environmental and commercial commitment to Balloch and West Riverside remains steadfast, and we want to complement what makes Loch Lomond so attractive to visitors. 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.” 

With the outline planning submission having been registered by the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park Authority, Lomond Banks will now seek Planning Permission in Principle, at this stage. If approved, the team would progress to work on plans for Detailed Planning Permission. At this point, the indicative details outlined below would be confirmed.

The proposed development comprises a tourism, leisure, and recreation-led mixed-use development, including:

  • 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
  • Staff service and welfare accommodation
  • Associated parking, landscaping, and infrastructure development works; and
    Access from the surrounding road network including Ben Lomond Way and Pier Road.

The revised plans for West Riverside and Woodbank House offer an opportunity for a unique leisure-based development that truly respects and complements the surrounding area. It is also in-line with the long-standing vision for the site that has been held by the local authority for more than 30 years, which has been articulated in the Local Development Plan and in the Balloch Charrette.  

The vision – along with the developer’s renowned conservation credentials – will bring new life to the site, honouring its industrial past, improving biodiversity and protecting the natural woodland setting. These qualities are essential to the overall character of the development and the local area and central to the developer’s vision. 

The application will be determined by National Park Authority in due course.

TIMINGS CONFIRMED FOR LOMOND BANKS PLANNING SUBMISSION

April date proposed to allow for ongoing biodiversity studies to inform the proposals

Plans for a £40m sustainable, world class tourist destination on the banks of Loch Lomond, are now set to be submitted at the end of April 2022, driving forward the planning application for the proposed Balloch resort covering West Riverside and the Woodbank House Estate.

The team at Lomond Banks have firmed up their target date for submission to the National Park Authority to allow the results of ongoing biodiversity surveys to be incorporated into the designs being put forward.

Lomond Banks undertook an extended period of consultation with the local community as well as key businesses and stakeholders throughout 2021 which has helped to shape the plans, including the removal of any development in the ancient woodland of Drumkinnon Wood.

In parallel to this, the developers have instructed more detailed ecological studies of the area to ensure that the important wildlife assets across Woodbank and West Riverside are incorporated into the designs from the outset, and not considered as a bolt-on.

Included within this, are surveys for birds (including for the first time a study of wintering birds on Loch Lomond and the River Leven), red squirrel and hibernating bats, all of which will conclude at the end of February. Following these, assessments will be made and designs finalised ahead of submission in April.

Surveys have already indicated summer roosting bats within areas of the site, and suitability for hibernation, so further studies were commissioned in line with national guidance to ensure the bats can be accommodated moving forward.

Applied Ecology Ltd has been carrying out detailed survey work since April 2021. Their work has identified exciting opportunities for environmental education and interpretation as part of the proposals, as well as areas for biodiversity enhancement. In particular, AEL has highlighted the importance of the ancient woodland resource within Drumkinnon Wood, especially its carpets of native bluebells. The proposed plans have been adjusted to reflect these most recent survey results.

Jim Paterson, Development Director for Flamingo Land, the people behind Lomond Banks, added: “It is clear that if we are truly committed to creating a sustainable world-class resort that celebrates the wildlife and biodiversity of Loch Lomond, that we conduct further, more extensive studies to ensure these form and dictate key elements of our proposals and we are excited to progress plans that are forward-thinking to ensure the natural beauty of the area can be celebrated for many generations to come.”

Further information and FAQs on Lomond Banks can also be found at www.lomondbanks.com/consultation  

HIGH NUMBERS ENGAGE WITH LOMOND BANKS DEVELOPMENT PLANS

Flamingo Land encouraged by continued engagement on Loch Lomond proposals from community

The team behind Lomond Banks, the proposed new world class tourist development on the banks of Loch Lomond, remain encouraged by the level of community engagement regarding their plans for the area, following on from a second round of consultations this month.

From 22nd November to 10th of December, the Lomond Banks team once again provided stakeholders, members of the local community and other interested parties the opportunity to engage with, and provide feedback on, the current proposals.

The second consultation also saw more than 70 members of the public take the opportunity to attend a face-to-face event at Lomond Parish church on 25th November, to see the plans for themselves and question representatives from Flamingo Land, development architects, and planners.

Representatives from the team behind Lomond Banks were also pleased that West Dunbartonshire Councillors accepted their invitation for a meeting to discuss the current plans and were given time to share their vision for the project moving forward, taking on board feedback from the local community to help further shape the development.

Throughout the two extended consultation periods, more than 1,250 members of the public engaged with the consultation portal on the Lomond Banks website, whilst 150 signed up for a series of online interactive meetings, including a business stakeholder event and public consultation session, which took place in September and October respectively.

Jim Paterson, development director for the Lomond Banks project, said: “Having two consultation periods has not only allowed us to showcase the Lomond Banks development and the benefits we believe it will bring to the area, both for the economy and residents, but it has helped create an open dialogue with the community so that we can take on-board constructive feedback, dispel some of the myths regarding the site and provide reassurances that Lomond Banks will be respectful and in-keeping with the local environment.

“We believe our £40million investment in Balloch will not only create a world class, eco-tourism destination, but that it will bring jobs to the area, boost the local economy and provide a strong and sustainable development that the community will be proud of across future generations.

“Working closely with the community and key stakeholders to help shape our plans for Lomond Banks has been a key priority for us and we have been pleased with the level of engagement over the past few months. We thank everyone who has provided feedback so far, it has been invaluable as we look to finalise our plans ahead of the planning submission.”

With the consultation periods now over, members of the local community can still share feedback and opinions via the Lomond Banks community lead, Fiona Robertson – [email protected].

SECOND ROUND OF CONSULTATION SCHEDULED TO ALLOW FURTHER ENGAGEMENT WITH LOMOND BANKS DEVELOPMENT PLANS

Face-to-face event scheduled in Balloch as part of second consultation period

A second round of consultations has been firmed up, allowing the community to further engage with the plans for Lomond Banks at Woodbank and West Riverside in Balloch.

The online portal will once again be open to the community from Monday 22nd November for two weeks showing the ongoing progress the application is making ahead of the planning submission in February 2022. A face-to face event has also been arranged and will take place on Thursday 25th November from 2pm to 7pm at Lomond Parish Hall, Balloch.

The team behind the proposed new world-class tourist development will be on-hand throughout the in-person event to talk through the plans with the wider community and gather further feedback on its latest proposals for the area.

This forms part of the extended consultation period which started in September, designed to provide stakeholders, members of the local community and other interested parties with a number of opportunities to engage – with all opinions and thoughts welcomed by the Lomond Banks team – to help shape their plans ahead of its estimated February submission, with initial feedback from this segment of the to be reviewed on Friday 10th December.

This second consultation will also cover updates on the plans following the first round of consultation and the feedback received from the community in September.

Key focus areas which have been identified during this initial period are the Pierhead area, integration with the community of Balloch, an emphasis on fair work, education and training as well as traffic and transport.

Throughout the extended consultation process, the Lomond Banks team hope to convey its overall vision for the sustainable £40m development, highlight its commitment to the community, local businesses and employability, whilst providing a platform for engagement and feedback.

Jim Paterson, development director for the Lomond Banks project, said: “We are delighted to bring our second round of consultation to the Balloch community and, along with our face-to-face event, give people more opportunity to engage with our plans. The level of engagement and support from the local community during the first round was incredibly encouraging and very useful as we move our plans forward. Our vision is to create a sustainable world-class visitor experience here at Lomond Banks, one in which the local community and businesses of Balloch can be proud.

“Central to this vision is our commitment to the local area. Even at this early stage, partnerships with local organisations, training and employment opportunities and local businesses are key. With hundreds of jobs and an investment of £40 million, the economic benefits of Lomond Banks are compelling, providing a real opportunity to give a boost to the Balloch and the wider Loch Lomond area.”

People can sign up for the online and virtual consultation events on the Lomond Banks website, via the consultation page and updated plans can be accessed from the 22nd November for the community to view and comment on.  

Whilst the face-to-face event is open for everyone to attend, those interested in attending are being asked to register their attendance to ensure social distancing and safety measures can be considered. There will also be very limited walk-up places available on the day.

Our Vision Video is here

As plans continue to develop for Lomond Banks at Woodbank and West Riverside in Balloch, the team behind the proposed new world-class tourist development has created a video to share its vision for the £40m project – highlighting its commitment to the community, local businesses and employability, whilst introducing its ambitions to become a green net-zero tourist destination.

Local Community Encouraged to Engage with Development Plans

As plans continue to develop for Lomond Banks at Woodbank and West Riverside in Balloch, the team behind the proposed new world-class tourist development is hosting a series of online consultation events over the coming months to share its vision and gather feedback on its latest proposals for the area.

In the first of two extended consultation periods, the consultation portal, due to open on Tuesday 28th September, will provide stakeholders, members of the local community and other interested parties the opportunity to engage and share their feedback on the proposals – with all opinions and thoughts welcomed by the Lomond Banks team to help shape their plans ahead of submission, with initial feedback reveiwed on 15th October 2021.

On the 29th of September a business stakeholder event, facilitated by Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerce, and led by the Lomond Banks community lead, Fiona Robertson, will also take place – providing a forum for local businesses and relevant industry representatives to put forward their thoughts on the proposed Lomond Banks development. 

Further to the online portal which will allow visitors to view the current plans, a planned live online session will be held from 7pm – 8pm on Thursday 7th October, where the team will be talking through the plans and answering questions from the public.  

Throughout the extended consultation process, the Lomond Banks team hope to convey its overall vision for the £40m development, highlight its commitment to the community, local businesses and employability, whilst providing a platform for engagement and feedback from all. In addition, the team hopes to introduce its ambitions to become a green net-zero tourist destination, making it a strong and sustainable development fit for the future.

Jim Paterson, development director for the Lomond Banks project, said: “Our vision is to create a sustainable world-class visitor experience here at Lomond Banks, one in which the local community and businesses of Balloch can be proud of.

“Central to this vision is our commitment to working alongside everyone within the area, to help shape our plans and ensure that Lomond Banks benefits both the local economy and residents, as well as being respectful and in-keeping with the environment around us. Our commitment to the local area goes far beyond the planning stages as we consider partnerships with local organisations, local training and employment opportunities and local businesses being key to our long-term supply chain.

“With hundreds of jobs and an investment of £40 million, the economic benefits of Lomond Banks are compelling, providing a real opportunity to give Balloch and the wider Loch Lomond area a much-needed boost. We are therefore providing an extended period of time, across both consultation periods, to welcome all feedback throughout the process and are encouraging the local community, through our public consultation events, to get involved and help shape Lomond Banks, here at Balloch.”

The virtual consultation events have been designed to be as interactive as a face-to-face event would be, allowing for presentation of key project information and plans, as well as providing the opportunity for feedback and providing the local community a voice in shaping Lomond Banks further.

Access to the consultation events will be located on the Lomond Banks website, including the business event, via www.lomondbanks.com  and can be accessed from the 28th September for you to look and comment on. Sign up to the live online event on the 7th October will also be available from the Lomond Banks website.

A more informed and detailed second consultation event is also due to take place in November, to show how community feedback has shaped the development proposals ahead of the plans being submitted to Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park Authority.

Further information and FAQs on Lomond Banks can also be found at www.lomondbanks.com/consultation  

Community Engagement Lead Joins Lomond Banks Team

Flamingo Land cements its commitment to the local community as revised PAN is submitted

As Flamingo Land takes a further step in its new revised plans to build a £40m world class family tourist destination in Balloch, by submitting a revised Proposal of Application (PAN) notice to the National Park Authority, the team is cementing its commitment to the local community by appointing a dedicated community engagement lead for the project in Fiona Robertson of Streets-UK.

The revised PAN notice was submitted in response to feedback from the Park Authority following the scoping opinion, outlining the key elements it is committed to working through as the planning process continues.

As part of the process, Fiona Robertson of Streets-UK has recently joined the team to support Lomond Bank’s commitment to community engagement in helping to shape the project during the planning stage, including two rounds of public consultations, the first set to take place from 28 September and the second in November of this year.

Streets-UK, which was set up by Fiona in 2006, has a solid track record on consulting and engaging with communities. In advance of the statutory pre planning consultations, Fiona will be working closely with both the local community and businesses to help shape the consultation plans as well as the Lomond Banks proposals, as they look to deliver a world-class waterfront tourist destination.

Having listened to the issues raised around the original proposal submitted in 2017 and with further feedback due from Fiona over the coming months through her work within the local area, the Lomond Banks team, vision to create a new accommodation led resort that will be devised to complement the local environment whilst bringing much needed investment and job creation to an area which has been hard hit by the pandemic has never been stronger.

Fiona Robertson, Streets-UK, said: “I’m delighted to have the opportunity to work on such a project and to be working with the local community to help shape these plans in a meaningful way. In many ways, it feels like coming home as I was part of the team who delivered the original Lomond Shores plans at the planning application stage. 

“The rationale for Lomond Shores was to provide the already high number of visitors to Loch Lomond the opportunity to “stop, stay and spend” and the Balloch riverside site – which is now known as Lomond Banks – was always seen as the next evolution of the project. 

“Unfortunately, back in the early 2000s, there was no business interest in taking the West Riverside part of the project forward, however now we have the Lomond Banks concept of eco-friendly holiday lodges, a hotel and microbrewery, which very much supports the original vision that Balloch should be the “great reception point” for Loch Lomond – an ambition first announced by Sir Patrick Abercrombie in 1946 as part of his visionary Clyde Valley Plan. 

“Some 75 years later the need to support local business and create jobs in a way that protects the environment of the wider Loch Lomond National Park has never been more important and the proposed development comes at a time when economic investment and meaningful growth in the local tourism market is required. I look forward to engaging with local businesses as plans progress.”

Jim Paterson, development director for the Lomond Banks project, said: “Community consultation has always been at the forefront of our plans in developing a sustainable world-class tourism destination here in Balloch. We are pleased to bring Fiona on board to ensure everyone who lives or works within the area has a voice to help shape our plans for the site in a way that not only benefits the local community and economy, but one in which everyone can be proud of.”

Fiona will be scheduling meetings with interested groups this month to garner the thoughts and opinions that will shape the plans put forward. If you are interested in taking part – she can be contacted via [email protected].

Revised plans move forward to create £40m tourist destination in Loch Lomond

  • Developer Flamingo Land outlines commitment to multi-million pound investment in economy and local job creation 
  • Wider community consultation at heart of the new plans
  • New accommodation led resort will be completely bespoke to complement the local environment

Flamingo Land is taking forward new revised plans to build a £40m world class tourist destination in Balloch in Loch Lomond.

Breaking away from its traditional portfolio of theme parks, the proposed new Lomond Banks development will instead create a new accommodation led resort that will be devised to complement the local environment whilst bringing much needed investment and job creation to an area which has been hard hit by the pandemic.

The new proposals for West Riverside and Woodbank House, which is adjacent to Loch Lomond Shores, has for some time been identified for tourism development in the Local Development Plan.

The Lomond Banks development team will work with leading planning consultants, Stantec, and project architects, Anderson, Bell + Christie, to deliver the prestigious project. An EIA scoping request was submitted yesterday, Tuesday (1st June, 2021) ahead of a formal PAN (proposal of application notice) to The Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park.  

The intention of the developers is to create a world-class waterfront tourist destination which includes visitor accommodation and scenic walkways that are sympathetic to the local environment, with the freedom of public access still being maintained throughout the site whilst securing the long-term future of the derelict historic listed Woodbank House, currently on the Buildings at Risk Register. The development will also provide learning and training opportunities for visitors and staff and will create close links to local schools and colleges.

Jim Paterson, development director for the Lomond Banks project, said: “We have listened to the issues raised around the original proposal and with further feedback will look to make some important, very significant, amendments to the plans to ensure Lomond Banks will be in keeping with its environment. We also want to reassure the local community that consultation is at the heart of our plans. Our intention here from the outset was never to build a theme park but to bring to the area a development that has the potential to become a world-class tourism destination that benefits the local community and economy. 

“Our environmental and commercial commitment to Balloch and West Riverside remains strong and our proposed development comes at a time when economic investment and meaningful growth in the local tourism market is required. We want to complement what makes Loch Lomond so attractive to visitors, and our aim would be to invest locally, hire locally, and work with local businesses to maximise the benefits of the development for all.”

Adam Bell, of architects, Anderson, Bell + Christie, said: “We are delighted to be involved in the project to regenerate this allocated site in Balloch. We have listened to the public and the statutory bodies and will look to reflect these specific changes to the development, together with any new proposals that arise through the public consultation processes.

“Lomond Banks offers a real opportunity to bring jobs and visitors to this key location in the Vale of Leven and Loch Lomond, at the same time protecting the woodland and special environment for all to enjoy.”

The revised plans for West Riverside and Woodbank House will offer an opportunity for a unique leisure-based development that truly respects and complements the surrounding area and is in line with the long-standing vision for the site that has been held by the local authority for more than 30 years which has been articulated in the Local Development Plan and in the Balloch Charrette.

The vision along with the developers renowned conservation credentials will bring new life to the site, honouring its industrial past, improving biodiversity and protecting the natural woodland setting. These qualities are essential to the overall character of the development and the local area and central to the developer’s vision.

The new plans will include some key changes following feedback from the community and the National Park Authority on the earlier application, in order to address concerns and further respect the sensitivities of the location and its natural beauty. These include, reviewing the massing of the proposed buildings at the pierhead area, removing the lodges from Drumkinnon Wood, and reworking the proposals within and around Woodbank House whilst protecting and complementing the amenities of the boat clubs and other local businesses.

The proposals include a variety of family accommodation, facilities for visitors and the local community including a craft brewery, leisure centre, restaurants and landscape upgrades to public footpaths, dog walking routes and greenspaces.

Locals and the Scottish public will have the opportunity to view the plans as part of the planning process. The application will be determined by National Park Authority.

Lomond Banks