The debate around the development of Flamingo Land’s £40million holiday park development in Balloch has started to gather pace again.

Almost three years have passed since the original proposals were withdrawn. However, to many residents in the area, it will feel like there has barely been a break between the two applications.

I recently conducted a survey in the area with local residents in Balloch, Haldane, Tullichewan, Levenvale and Jamestown.

The people who stay in these communities and areas close by are the ones who will be most affected by the plans to develop on the West Riverside site.

Although two thirds of respondents to my survey are opposed to the plans to develop the site, even those who wish to see the application being granted this time around are worried about the impact it will have on local roads.

They already see the chaos on the routes into Balloch whenever there is a spell of good weather. And they are sick and tired of the struggle they endure to get to and from their homes and workplaces as a result.

Before any planning application goes further, I believe that a proper action plan needs to be put in place so that these fears can be addressed.

People who stay in the area deserve to be able to move around locally without unmitigated traffic pressure.

I have already escalated these concerns to the Lomond Banks developers and I look forward to hearing how they will address them along with the other issues raised by residents.

The area is designated as a development opportunity, and it is vital that any application which is permitted on the site is the right one for the area. The roads are a vital factor in this among many other issues.

Any business wishing to trade must make sure they are providing good quality jobs and, if the application is successful, I am seeking a guarantee from Lomond Banks that they commit to paying the Scottish real living wage and that they recruit from the local area.

Indeed I am also looking for a commitment that local businesses are part of the supply chain. I believe that firms operating in the area should work collaboratively in order to help the local economy in general and continue to attract visitors and meet the needs of residents.

I want to take the opportunity to thank all of the residents who took part in my local survey.

Rest assured, I will do everything in my power to make sure that the National Park listens, and we make sure that any development is the right one for residents and businesses because, after all, it is the people who stay and work here who will be impacted the most.