Hosting the first of two extended consultation periods, which ran from September 28 until October 15, the Lomond Banks team provided stakeholders, members of the local community and other interested parties the opportunity to engage with, and provide feedback on, the current proposals.

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.

Firstly, the business stakeholder event, facilitated by Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerce, and led by the Lomond Banks community lead, Fiona Robertson, was held on September 29. The open forum allowed local businesses and relevant industry representatives to put forward their thoughts on the proposed Lomond Banks development – covering off various subjects including traffic and parking, alongside the site’s ambitions to become a net-zero tourist destination, making it a strong and sustainable development fit for the future.

A live public online session was also held on October 7, which provided an opportunity for the Lomond Banks team to convey its overall vision for the development, highlight its commitment to the community and local businesses, sustainability and employability, whilst also providing a platform for all to engage and respond to the proposals.

The team were encouraged by the level of support from those who participated in the event whilst important discussion points including, local supply-chain and business support, traffic and transport formed key areas for the team to consider, further ahead of planning submission.

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, to show how community feedback has helped shape the development proposals further, whilst Lomond Banks community lead, Fiona Robertson, will be on hand 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.

Dates for the second consultation will be added to the Lomond Banks website in due course, where further information and FAQs on the project can also be found.