Scottish Government urged to ignore ‘hysteria’ around Loch Lomond proposals

The developer behind controversial plans to build on the banks of Loch Lomond has urged the Scottish Government to ignore the “hysteria” from opponents.

Lomond Banks – owned by theme park operator Flamingo Land – has proposed to build a multi-million-pound mega-park.

It includes plans for a water park, two hotels, 104 wooden lodges, spa, cafes, shops, restaurants, brewery and more in Balloch, West Dunbartonshire.

In May, the Scottish Government Reporter approved the plans – allowing them to go on to the next stage of planning and development – despite opposition from the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority itself and more than 150,000 people who joined the Save Loch Lomond campaign.

The Scottish Government initially said it had “no intention” of stepping in to re-evaluate that approval, but Scottish ministers U-turned last week, once again putting the Flamingo Land plans in doubt.

On Monday, speaking for the first time since that decision, Lomond Banks development director Jim Paterson said the firm was “extremely disappointed”.

“We have engaged with the planning process in good faith, following every regulation and expectation set by the National Park and Scotland’s new national planning framework,” he said.

“The land in question has been allocated for sustainable tourism development for decades, a fact acknowledged by the DPEA (Planning and Environmental Appeals Division) reporter.

“To have this long-established planning context disregarded at the 11th hour raises serious questions not only about the integrity and consistency of the Scottish planning system, but also about Scotland as an investment destination.”

“That’s why Mr Paterson called on ministers to back the Flamingo Land proposals.

“We now call on all ministers, especially the planning minister, to uphold the integrity of the planning system,” he said.

“This process must remain impartial and evidence-led, not subjected to political opportunism or pressure campaigns built on misinformation. The rules must apply fairly and equally to all, or public trust in the system will be irreparably damaged.”

Mr Paterson added: “We urge the Scottish Government to see through the hysteria and consider not just the facts of this proposal, but the precedent it sets for all future investment in Scotland.”

Mr Paterson accused opponents of the development – spearheaded by Scottish Green MSP Ross Greer – of a “sensationalist and misleading campaign” full of “mistruths and inaccuracies”.

More than 150,000 people signed a petition to halt the plans, and 50,000 wrote to the Scottish Government to intervene, but Mr Paterson claimed the project has “strong local support”.

“Anyone genuinely interested in the views of the Scottish people need only look at the widespread positive engagement on social media and elsewhere, reflecting a clear desire for sustainable, year-round economic activity and job creation,” he said.

Public finance minister Ivan McKee said last week the government would recall the plans for the Flamingo Land resort, saying it raises issues of national significance due to its impact on the national park area.

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

The final outcome will be now be decided by Scottish ministers.