Scottish Government rejects Flamingo Land plans for Loch Lomond

A major controversial tourist resort on the banks of Loch Lomond has been rejected by the Scottish Government.

Through the firm Lomond Banks, the Yorkshire-based theme park operator Flamingo Land planned to build two hotels, more than 100 lodges, a waterpark and a monorail on the site at Balloch, West Dunbartonshire.

In June last year, the Scottish Government said it would recall the plans because of “issues of national significance”, reversing a previous decision.

In a long-running saga, plans were initially scrapped in 2019 following substantial opposition from the local community and agencies such as the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA), the Woodland Trust and the National Trust for Scotland.

Revised plans were later unanimously rejected by the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park authority, but an appeal by Lomond Banks was granted by a Scottish Government reporter, who placed 49 conditions on the developer and forced them to reach an agreement with the authority before construction could start.

However, the decision incensed environmental and conservation campaigners, who have long opposed the development and say it will lead to the “irreversible” loss of woodland.

Over 150,000 people objected to the development through a petition launched by the Scottish Greens.

But the final outcome has now been decided by Scottish ministers – knocking it back.

Scottish Ministers said they disagreed with the Reporter’s conclusions that there is no conflict with Scotland’s National Park Aims.

Namely, to conserve and enhance the natural and cultural heritage of the area, and to promote the sustainable use of the natural resources of the area.

The Government said there was uncertainty regarding the permanent loss of ancient woodland, the adequacy of compensatory planting, and flood risks.

More to follow…