A proposal to develop a £40 million holiday resort on the banks of Loch Lomond has been unanimously rejected by Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority. Flamingo Land, the theme park operator behind the project, sought to build the Lomond Banks resort, which would include a monorail, waterpark, hotel, and restaurants.
The project faced significant opposition due to concerns over flood risks, increased traffic, and the impact on local businesses. A petition against the development garnered over 174,000 signatures. At a meeting held at Lomond Parish Church in Balloch, more than 100 attendees listened as the park authority board ruled the project inconsistent with environmental and nature conservation policies.
Scottish Green MSP Ross Greer, a vocal critic of the plan, hailed the decision as a “huge victory” for the long-standing campaign to protect Loch Lomond. Greer emphasized that the development would have jeopardized the local economy, with many of the proposed jobs being part-time. He also praised the local community for their united opposition to the plan.
Stuart Pearce, director of place for the park authority, highlighted the “unacceptable risk” of flooding posed by the development along the River Leven. Local council representatives expressed fatigue over the protracted debate, as the project was first proposed in 2018. Lynne Somerville, representing Balloch and Haldane Community Council, stated that the development would contradict the desires of local residents.
Despite the rejection, Flamingo Land representatives expressed surprise, defending the project as a significant opportunity for economic growth and job creation. Fiona Robertson, a spokesperson for Flamingo Land, noted the local investment involved, while Rev. Ian Miller, interim moderator of Lomond Parish Church of Scotland, voiced support for any initiative that could increase employment.
The park authority had previously recommended rejecting the proposal, with a 188-page report criticizing the removal of trees and woodland without sufficient replanting. The report argued that the development would fail to achieve the biodiversity improvements necessary to address climate concerns. Environmental watchdog Sepa also opposed the plan earlier this year, citing flood risks.
Flamingo Land initially submitted plans in 2018, later withdrawing them in 2019 following widespread opposition. The updated proposal, submitted in 2020, aimed to diverge from the company’s other resorts, such as its theme park and zoo in Yorkshire. However, the park authority board concluded that the revised plan still conflicted with both regional and national environmental policies.
Dr. Heather Reid, the board’s convener, reaffirmed the authority’s stance, stating: “Our national park partnership plan emphasizes that future development should support efforts to tackle the climate emergency and promote nature restoration. The board ultimately decided that this development would not align with those objectives.”