Plans to build Flamingo Land resort on banks of Loch Lomond divide local residents in Balloch

Plans to build a multi-million pound Flamingo Land resort on the banks of Loch Lomond are continuing to divide communities after the proposals were approved by the Scottish Government last week.

The Lomond Banks resort and water park development received “planning permission in principle” last week, overturning the national park’s decision to reject it.

It’s a major milestone for those backing the project, but for campaigners who’ve spent years fighting it, it’s a huge blow.

Tensions between the groups are likely to increase as the development progresses to the next stage of planning and scrutiny.

The £43m project on the banks of Loch Lomond in Balloch, West Dunbartonshire includes plans for a monorail, two hotels, 104 wooden lodges, up to 62 riverfront and woodland lodges, a pool, water park, and spa.

Additionally, restaurants, cafes, shops, a craft brewery and beer tap hall, 372 parking spaces and outdoor performance and barbeque areas form part of the plans.

More than 150,000 people previously objected to the development of the Flamingo Land resort and waterpark.

On one side, opponents argue that the major development will destroy an ancient woodland alongside fragile local businesses and communities.

On the other, supporters argue that it will restore the A-listed Hamilton House Hotel and bring much needed investment and jobs to the region.

Sam Paton, from the Save Loch Lomond Campaign, told STV News that the Scottish Government’s decision “makes a mockery of the planning system”.

“What does it say about local communities and their voices?” Ms Paton said.

Lynne Somerville, of Balloch and Haldane Community Council, said the development would “go against the very will of the people who live in the area”.

“People in the wider region are feeling bullied. We feel as though we’re being back into a corner. We don’t want this development,” she said.

“It’s not that we don’t want investment – we’re not parochial and we’re not insular – we want inward investment, but we want it to be sympathetic not to just local area but to the local communities impacted by it.”

Opponents have listed environmental concerns, traffic and infrastructure concerns, and the future of what Ms Somerville called “fragile” local businesses as reasons to oppose Flamingo Land.

Ms Somerville believes that the massive development will create a situation where they will have everything “in house”, which means visitors – and their money – won’t be going to the local economy.

“We need to have a more strategic vision for the area,” she said.

Ms Paton added that it’s “not just about tree-hugging”, but it’s about the local food system, waterways, the contamination of land, and health.

“The other bit that people keep forgetting is that this land was bought using public money back in the 1980s – it was our parents and grandparents money. It was meant to be for the public,” Ms Paton said.

She said the land is well used by locals and tourists, but criticised that it would be a “gated community” once the plans go ahead.

However, James Fraser of the Friends of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs group believe Flamingo Land will be good for the area.

The former Loch Lomond area tourism chief said the site near Balloch has been “zoned for tourism and leisure” for over 40 years.

Not only did Mr Fraser praise the proposals for their plans to restore the derelict Hamilton House Hotel, but he also said it would give local businesses a “huge injection”.

“I appreciate very much it’s a divided camp, but there has been quite a misleading campaign under the banner of Save Loch Lomond showing imagery of Ben Lomond and looking down the loch, which is many miles from the former industrial sites in the heart of Balloch,” Mr Fraser said.

He recognised that traffic management is an issue but he said it’s the “most sustainable location in the national park” to have a leisure development due to Balloch’s rail link and bus services.

Although he said some visitors would inevitably arrive by car, he hoped that they could “throw their keys away” and jump on a boat, train or bus to explore the wider area once they arrive.

“I’m delighted the Scottish Government Reporter demolished al the key arguments and the reasons why it should be refused. It’s gone to heart of the issues and recognised that much of area was identified for tourism and leisure development,” Mr Fraser said.

Even though it is a major milestone, planning permission in principle does not mean Flamingo Land will be able to proceed to development.

Developers will now be faced with drawing up full, comprehensive plans for their resort and water park for consideration.

Scottish ministers will be called on to make the final judgement.