Concerns that the site at the centre of the Loch plans could be sold for just £200,000 has been raised at the Scottish Parliament.
Dumbarton MSP Jackie Baillie is questioning whether the proposal represents value for money to the
public purse.
The land is currently owned by Scottish Enterprise, who will eventually sell it to theme park operators Flamingo Land if they are successful in their planning bid.
The Lennox Herald reported in October last year how Scottish Enterprise have valued the land at £200,000.
Jackie says the Scottish Government business quango bought the land for £2million 20 years ago.
Jackie raised the issue of the Scottish Government calling in the application for their determination with the minister for rural affairs during a session of general questions in the parliament chamber.
The response from Mairi Gougeon was: “Again, I refer the member to my initial answer in which I said that this is a live planning case and that I simply cannot comment on it.”
She also asked the minister whether the sale of land and likely future grant award from Scottish Enterprise to Flamingo Land was a good use of public money.
However, she didn’t receive a response to this.
Jackie commented: “A number of concerns have been raised about the Lomond Banks development locally; from the quality of jobs which the developers say will be created, to the impact on existing business, transport infrastructure and even the local environment.
“I will make my view known in the next few weeks but in the meantime wanted to question whether this proposal represents value for money for the public purse.
“Scottish Enterprise purchased the land for £2million about 20 years ago.
“They are now telling the public that it is worth just £200,000 which is the price that Flamingo Land will pay.
“Indeed Flamingo Land are likely to receive additional public funds in grants from Scottish Enterprise so we may end up paying them to develop in Balloch.
“Many people remain unconvinced that this is a good use of public money.
“I believe, given the involvement of Scottish Enterprise, that the application should be called in for determination.”
