Crunch dates are fast approaching for a decision on the future of a Loch Lomond development.

And the convener of the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority's board has urged anyone on either side of the debate not to cause disruption on the key date when Flamingo Land's Lomond Banks proposals are decided.

The park authority has published a plan with the key dates and processes around the controversial development in Balloch.

Opponents have spearheaded a massive petition against the plans, but there have been local voices in favour as well.

A report recommending whether the park board members approve or refuse the application is expected to be published on Monday, September 2.

The park authority said there would be a great deal of technical language and references to planning legislation in the report, but they would make every effort for the papers to be "as easy to understand as possible".

They insisted the paper is a "recommendation only" and a final decision would be taken by the board on September 16.

That meeting will be public, but the public cannot participate unless they have applied to speak and their application has been approved.

It will be held at Lomond Parish Church in Balloch because of the significant public interest in the plans. The church can hold more than 200 people.

The meeting will also be livestreamed, and a link will be shared on the park authority's website and social media.

Board members will make a site visit on the morning of September 16 ahead of making their decision.

The new Flamingo Land plans were lodged with the park authority in August 2021.

The company's previous proposals for the site were withdrawn in September 2019, just days after park authority officials recommended the application should be rejected.

Dr Heather Reid, convener of the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority Board, said: “There is significant public interest in this planning application and I want to reassure anyone with an interest, whether in favour of or in objection to the application, that due process is being followed to the letter.

“It is in everyone’s interest that the site visit, public hearing and board meeting on September 16 are conducted in an orderly manner and that an informed decision can be made by board members.

"Disruption on the day could result in the site visit being abandoned or the hearing being adjourned and those outcomes benefit nobody.

“So I would strongly urge those with conflicting views on the application to respect the planning process and allow events on Monday, September 16 to be carried out in an orderly manner.

"It is important that board members hear all viewpoints before reaching a decision.

“We are making the hearing and board meeting as open and accessible as possible and have secured a large local venue for that reason.

"The meeting will also be streamed online for those unable to access the venue.

"In addition to the planning report, which will reference representations made both for and against the application, we will ensure board members hear from a balanced range of speakers at the hearing to help inform their decision.

“In the meantime, we will provide regular updates to the public, to key stakeholders including Balloch and Haldane Community Council, and to the media on the process being followed.”