Loch Lomond authority says Flamingo Land plans should not go ahead

The authority responsible for Loch Lomond and the Trossachs has proposed that plans to build a theme park near the shores of the loch should be rejected.

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Party Authority (LLTNPA) have said plans to build a Flamingo Land should not go ahead for a number of reasons.

In a new report, which is a recommendation only, the authority says there are flood risks, and that developing the Flamingo Land park would also result in the removal of woodland areas.

The park would see more than 100 lodges built, two hotels, a waterpark, a monorail and 372 parking spaces, as well as shops and staff accommodation.

A similar Flamingo Land park was built in Malton, North Yorkshire.

The report took into consideration key policies, consultation responses from local and national bodies, and other statutory consultees.

The report will be considered by the authority when they meet to determine the planning application on September 16.

The LLTNPA says it has opted to host the hearing and board meeting at Lomond Parish Church, Balloch, to ensure as many people as possible are able to attend.

A site visit will take place in the morning of Monday September 16 to allow board members to gain information about the land or buildings relative to the proposed development, allowing them to gain a greater understanding of the site and its surroundings.

Responding to the recommendation that the park should not be built, Jim Paterson, development director for Lomond Banks which has proposed the theme park, said: “We are extremely disappointed with the recommendation made by the case officer.

“We believe we have met all technical criteria set out for the site in the local development plan and have exceeded requirements in terms of our legally binding promises to the local community.

“We remain committed to our plans, which we believe would bring about huge benefits to the Balloch community and beyond.

“These include £40 million of sustainable investment and jobs shaped by the feedback from key stakeholders.”

He added: “We would urge the National Park board to consider the many merits this application presents.

“As this is a PPiP (planning permission in principle), the next detailed planning stage gives ample opportunity to ensure all specific concerns relating to the development are met and acknowledged far in advance.”

A petition launched by the Scottish Greens to stop the park being built has so far attracted more than 151,000 signatures.

On Monday, the party asked that the proposal for the park be withdrawn, as a result of the recommendations from the park authority.

Ross Greer MSP said: “This devastating report is surely the end of the road for Flamingo Land’s ludicrous plans.

“After dragging this sorry saga out for a decade, they now need to withdraw the proposal and leave Loch Lomond alone. Today is a huge victory for our campaign.

“For almost a decade I’ve worked with residents of Balloch to stop Flamingo Land from wrecking their community.

“This mega-resort would simply overwhelm the local area and scar one of Scotland’s most iconic natural landscapes. I’m incredibly proud that the detailed objection we submitted has clearly influenced this report and the recommendation to reject.”

He added: “Over 151,000 people have already joined us in saying no to these daft plans, with hundreds more doing it every day.

“It is utterly staggering that Flamingo Land has spent years ignoring the clear opposition of the local community and of people across Scotland.

“They have chosen to inflict so much stress and misery on local people.

“Now it is time for them to walk away and accept that they have lost.”