Loch Lomond Flamingo Land resort sees almost 100,000 objections

The party claims the Flamingo Land application is now the "most opposed planning proposal in Scottish history" after almost 95,000 people and organisations signed a petition objecting the proposed development.

The original plans, withdrawn in 2019, for what was then a £30m project sparked a record 60,000 objections, which campaigners say made it the most unpopular application in Scottish history.

Various versions of the Lomond Banks plans have been considered over eight years with the current blueprints for the site including a massive holiday complex includes a 60-bedroom hotel, a water park, a monorail, more than 104 woodland lodges, a watersports hub, restaurants, a craft brewery and pub and external activity areas for events.

While developers are no longer proposing to build on the ancient woodland at Drumkinnon Wood, the updated plans still qualify as a major development.

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But concerns have been raised over the "terrible impact" traffic in the local area and the proposed sale of ancient woodland to the developer. 

Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie said: “I’m grateful to the 94,000 people who have objected to these appalling plans. Loch Lomond is a special place for millions of us around the world. 

"If these proposals are given the green light they would destroy a beautiful site on the banks and cause irreversible damage to the local environment. No wonder so many people are objecting to them. 
  
“What Flamingo Land wants to do is completely inappropriate and totally out of step with what people want. It is one of Scotland’s most iconic landscapes and we must protect it from these plans.

“I’d also like to thank my colleague Ross Greer and all of the local campaigners who have done so much to protect Loch Lomond and stand up for the communities who would be impacted by this mega-resort.”

Scottish Green co-leader Patrick Harvie called the plans appalling (Image: Newsquest)

Among those opposing the plans are local residents, Balloch and Haldane Community Council, the National Trust for Scotland, and the Woodland Trust.

West Dunbartonshire Council decided in April not to object, though the final decision will be taken by Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority.

Jim Paterson, development director for Lomond Banks, said: “We absolutely respect the democratic process and all who wish to share their voice on the proposals.

"We have been in liaison with Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park throughout this journey and have been advised there are currently 746 notes of objection to our plans, along with a number of supportive representations."

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As last week we reported that Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) said that it would review its objection to the plans, should the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority confirm the categorisation of the land as being 'previously developed'.

Jim continued said: “Instead, we continue to be encouraged by feedback from key stakeholders, local businesses and members of the local community alike, and by their desire for jobs, a boost to the economy and inward investment for their town.

“As such, in an area that has long been zoned and identified in local development plans as an area for key tourism development, we believe our revised plans, while sympathetic to their surroundings, will create an exciting prospect for the gateway to Loch Lomond that local people will be proud of for generations to come.”

For more information about Lomond Banks visit lomondbanks.com.