Helensburgh’s MSP is calling for the First Minister to support the possibility of a community buyout at the site of the now-withdrawn Loch Lomond development plans.

Jackie Baillie asked Nicola Sturgeon, who responded by saying she would ask the relevant minister, and that she “will always consider community buyout proposals”

A planning application by Scottish Enterprise and Flamingo Land was withdrawn last month after National Park planning officers said planning permission should be refused.

Thousands of objections to the proposals, given the name 'Lomond Banks' by the developers, were received by the park's board.

READ MORE: Lomond Banks planning application is withdrawn

Ms Baillie also asked the First Minister whether the ‘exclusivity agreement’ struck by Scottish Enterprise, who own the site at Balloch, with Flamingo Land is now set aside.

She said: “I have previously voiced my objection to the planning application which was submitted by Flamingo Land Limited due to concerns about the impact on the surrounding community, including local businesses, and the lack of clarity over jobs.

“I am not against development, but I think we can get better economic benefit than this represents.

“Members of the local community have been keen to buy the land to enable them to develop it.

READ MORE: Loch Lomond campaign slams 'bid to silence' Flamingo Land objectors

"I am now hopeful that despite an exclusivity agreement with Scottish Enterprise until 2020, the withdrawal of the planning application will mean that other interested parties can buy the land to develop.”

Allan McQuade, director of Scottish Enterprise, said: “As with previous developments at Loch Lomond, we understand people are concerned and our priority is to ensure that any development on the parcel of derelict land in Balloch is delivered in line with planning policy.”