A survey of over more than 1200 residents has revealed varied views on the future of a Balloch site earmarked for a tourism development.
Flamingo Land, which withdrew their holiday park plans in 2019, are preparing to reveal fresh proposals for the Riverside site, which will create up to 200 jobs.
Last month, a survey gathered the views of 1274 people from across the area – with a majority - 54 percent – agreeing some form of development there will benefit the community.
Only one in five were against any form of development on the site.
Fifty-one percent reckoned the public should be directly involved through a community-buyout, while 26 percent wouldn’t support the idea.
Meanwhile, 58 percent believe landowners Scottish Enterprise should end a new agreement with the firm, which will see the sale of the land go ahead if a number of conditions are met, including obtaining planning permission.
This agreement will be for up to three years and follows a previous exclusivity agreement which ended in December last year.
Toni Giugliano, Dumbarton’s SNP candidate in this year’s Scottish Parliament election, surveyed the residents, who he said were mainly from Balloch followed by Alexandria, Dumbarton and Bonhill.
He is calling on Scottish Enterprise to end the deal with Flamingo Land based on the findings.
He commented: “The sheer number of people who took part in this survey in just a handful of days goes to show that people care hugely about this issue.
“It’s clear that most local people favour a sensible development that is in keeping with the natural and built environment here.
“The community wants investment that will enhance the local area and bring jobs – but not at any cost – they want it to be proportionate.
“The most obvious way forward is for Scottish Enterprise to end the agreement and allow alternative bids to come forward.
“Why on earth is the only company allowed to submit proposals for national park land a giant corporation based hundreds of miles away?
“People in Balloch are genuinely worried about the loss of green space and how the existing infrastructure would cope with significantly increased footfall. Any future proposal must address these concerns.
“Above all – the community want to be involved in shaping any future development and retain ownership, at least in part, of the land.”
Scottish Enterprise has been in talks with Lomond Banks, a subsidiary of the Yorkshire tourism firm, since the withdrawal of the plans, which split the community.
Sixty-four percent of those surveyed said they did not support the initial plans while 32 percent said they did.
The top reasons for people objecting included environmental reasons, increased traffic, loss of green space and not in keeping with the surroundings.
The top reasons in support were the investment it would bring to the community, local jobs, tourism and enhancing the area.
Suggestions for alternative visions included a public owned space with restaurants and cafes, small business outlets. woodland attractions, watersports, a marina development, activity centre and village hall.
Many also said the land should remain as it is.
Alannah Maurer, of Save Loch Lomond campaign group, said she believes the survey results reflect the general feeling of the community.
She said: “The results mirror what we are hearing. The majority of people do want to see a development there but they are not happy with the agreement and want something that is either publicly driven or a partnership.
“It has to be a development which fits in with the environment and that can only be driven by consultation with the public. How can that be done with this agreement in place?”
A Scottish Enterprise spokesman said it is committed to securing an outcome for the area which will create jobs and investment while remaining sympathetic to the local environment and benefiting the local community.
He said: “The agreement we now have in place with the company is a conditional missive, which will see the sale of the land go ahead if a number of conditions are met, including obtaining planning permission.
“The planning process includes a statutory consultation period, which will allow all members of the local community to come forward with their views.”
