THE team behind the proposed plans for a major new tourist development in Balloch has revealed it has been ‘encouraged’ by the local engagement so far.
Hosting the first of two extended consultation periods, the Lomond Banks team provided stakeholders, the local community and other interested parties with the chance to provide feedback.
More than 1,000 members of the public engaged with the consultation portal on the Lomond Banks website throughout the initial two-week consultation, whilst 150 signed up for a series of online interactive meetings, including a business stakeholder event and public consultation session.
The business stakeholder event, facilitated by Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerce, was led by the Lomond Banks community lead Fiona Robertson. Local businesses and relevant industry representatives were able to put forward their thoughts on the proposed development, covering subjects including traffic and parking, alongside the site’s ambitions to become a net zero tourist destination.
A live public online session was held on 7th October, which involved the Lomond Banks team conveying its vision for the site and providing a platform for people to engage and respond.
Jim Paterson, development director for the Lomond Banks project, said, “The past two weeks have been invaluable, allowing us not only the opportunity to lay out our vision for the world class £40 million Lomond Banks site, but also dispelling the myths around the development and being able to take on constructive feedback and thoughts from the local community.
“Throughout this process, we are committed to working alongside everyone within the area, to help shape our plans, ensuring that Lomond Banks benefits the local economy and residents, as well as being respectful and in-keeping with its environment. The first of our consultation events have provided the local community with a voice in shaping Lomond Banks further, and we will now look to address the various issues raised.
“We look forward to the next stage of the consultation process where we can showcase further the economic benefits that Lomond Banks will bring, whilst covering off feedback and answer the pressing questions from the initial round of consultations.”
A ‘more informed and detailed’ second consultation event is due to take place in November, designed to show how community feedback has helped shape the proposals. Fiona Robertson will be available to answer questions and gather further feedback throughout the year, ahead of the plans being submitted to Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority.
