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, who rejected the plans.

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.

‘Bad news for Scottish business’

Lomond Banks have described the decision to block the development as “bad news for Scottish business and tourism”.

The company has said they are confident that issues surrounding flood risk modelling and the impact on ancient woodland can be addressed.

Jim Paterson, development director for Lomond Banks, said: “We are extremely disappointed by the Scottish Ministers’ decision to dismiss our appeal for Lomond Banks.

“This proposal represented a transformational investment in Balloch and the wider area, delivering significant employment, regeneration and long-term economic benefits to one of Scotland’s most disadvantaged communities.

“The independent Reporter appointed by the Scottish Government carefully assessed the application and was still minded to recommend approval, recognising the substantial socio-economic, tourism and heritage benefits the project would bring.

“Today’s outcome is dismissive of the Reporter’s recommendation and flies in the face of what this area was earmarked to accomplish, which is bad news for Scottish business and tourism as a whole, not to mention the local people who will now miss out on jobs, local supply chain opportunities and wider investment as a result.

“We note that the Ministers’ reasons for refusal relate primarily to flood risk modelling and ancient woodland impacts.

“We remain confident that these matters can be fully addressed through detailed design, further technical assessment and appropriate mitigation, as is standard practice at the planning permission in principle stage.

“We will now carefully review the decision in full and consider our options.”

Meanwhile, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority have welcomed the refusal, which they say “vindicates” their decision to unanimously refuse the planning application in September 2024.

Heather Reid, convener of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority, added: “This is a successful outcome that recognises the statutory aims of the National Park and supports the long-term vision for the National Park set out in our National Park Partnership Plan – a vision where people and nature not only coexist, but thrive together.

“Our planning officers will now review the Ministers’ decision in full and consider all accompanying report details. There remains a six-week period during which the applicant or a third party may seek a legal challenge to the decision.

“Meanwhile, our long-term commitment to working with the local community in Balloch continues, ensuring their voices and priorities help shape future land use, including through the current preparation of its Local Place Plan and the Balloch Pierhead Improvement Action Plan.”

Woodland Trust Scotland policy and advocacy manager Simon Ritchie said: “It is brilliant news that this terrible proposal has finally been consigned to the bin.

“We campaigned long and hard on this one, so it is heartening to see the Scottish Government include our concerns about loss of ancient woodland in its reasoning. Congratulations to all who fought locally and nationally.”