More than 20,000 objections were lodged over the weekend against plans for Flamingo Land on the banks of Loch Lomond.

The Save Loch Lomond campaign recorded an astonishing 10,000 objections within the first 24 hours following its launch on Friday.

The petition now has more than 22,000 responses and West Scotland MSP Ross Greer, who has been vocally against the plans from the start, said this shows that the £40million development isn’t wanted in the area.

He said: “I am grateful to everyone who has backed the community campaign to save Loch Lomond from Flamingo Land’s second attempt at a destructive ‘resort’ development.

“The volume of responses over the weekend shows just how strongly people feel about protecting our national parks and in particular the world-famous natural landscape of Loch Lomond at one of its most accessible locations.

“Local residents have repeatedly proposed a range of potential alternative uses for the site which could boost the social and economic wellbeing of the area, maintain easy public access and protect the ancient woodland at Drumkinnon, but site owner Scottish Enterprise has so far been unwilling to deal with anyone other than the Yorkshire theme park operator.

“There is still time to add your voice and I’d encourage everyone who loves Loch Lomond to make sure you have your say.”

'Extensive consultation'

Original plans for the Flamingo Land development were withdrawn in 2018 following 60,000 objections.

However, revised plans for the West Riverside and Woodbank House sites in Balloch - which it has named 'Lomond Banks' - were lodged with National Park officials in June.

The new plans include 127 woodland lodges, a water park, hotel, monorail and much more on mainly publicly owned land on the shore of Loch Lomond.

im Paterson, development director for Lomond Banks, said: “Our extensive public consultations prior to submission demonstrated that the community took a very balanced and considered view on the development and the many benefits it would bring. We listened carefully to a range of opinions – as you should in any democratic process – and reflected these in our submission.

“These were genuine and productive engagements with local people, businesses and other stakeholders, not online clickbait designed to simply drive up numbers from unknown sources.

“The area is zoned for tourism development and has been in the vision of the Balloch Charrette for many years. We recognise there are many points to consider and discuss, but we remain confident that what we have proposed is a strong starting point for us to move forward discussions with the planning authority.

“We are keen to engage with all parties, including the National Park, to create something that is fitting for the area and is sympathetic to its important location at the gateway of Loch Lomond.”