The economic development agency has been in talks with Flamingo Land subsidiary Lomond Banks since the withdrawal of a previous planning application for the redevelopment of the brownfield site adjoining the River Leven at Balloch.

Refreshed plans for the riverside destination will now be drawn up. Scottish Enterprise said the development could bring up to 200 tourism and hospitality jobs once the site is complete, as well as significant numbers in the construction phase.

The intention is to have visitor accommodation and walkways sympathetic to the local environment, with public access maintained throughout the site. The development will also provide learning and training opportunities for staff and will create links to local schools and colleges.

Scottish Enterprise hit out at “completely unfounded and untrue” suggestions that rollercoasters or flamingos were ever part of a plan for Lomond Banks.

Director of business infrastructure Allan McQuade said: “The plans for Lomond Banks present a really timely positive news story for the local economy but also for tourism in Scotland, both of which have suffered hugely as a result of the pandemic.

“This development will bring much needed employment and investment to the area, while maintaining the integrity of the local environment.”

He added: “There were never any intentions to create a theme park at Lomond Banks and rumours to that effect were not based in fact, and the developers will continue to ensure that there is full consultation with the local community.

“Scottish Enterprise has a responsibility to bring quality jobs and economic opportunity, but also to sustainability, the fight against climate change and building places for communities.

“These factors are central to everything we do, and we look forward to seeing them play a huge part in the future development of Lomond Banks.”

The arrangement follows on from the expiry of the previous Exclusivity Agreement between the two parties, which allowed the developer time to carry out necessary site investigations without Scottish Enterprise entering into negotiations with other parties.

This was signed in 2016 after a two-year campaign by Scottish Enterprise to secure a developer who would fulfil the joint ambitions of Scottish Enterprise and the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Parks Authority for a tourist attraction on the site.

The new agreement – a conditional missive – will, when finalised, oblige Scottish Enterprise to selling the land to the company upon the successful completion of the planning process.

CEO Gordon Gibb said: “Lomond Banks recognises there were misunderstandings around the previous plans and are keen that we take this opportunity to engage and work with the community to deliver a world class tourist attraction which is extremely sensitive to the surrounding area.

“We wish to reassure the community that there has never been a proposal to develop a theme park or indeed a roller coaster.”

The news comes as the local tourism sector attempts to recover from the impact of restrictions and closures as a result of the Covid pandemic.