Flamingo Land urged not to appeal failed Loch Lomond resort bid as deadline looms

Flamingo Land urged not to appeal failed Loch Lomond resort bid as deadline looms

Flamingo Land has been advised against appealing the rejection of its bid for a large holiday resort on the shores of Loch Lomond. The Yorkshire theme park operator faced unanimous rejection from the National Park board in September for its proposed ‘Lomond Banks’ resort, which included woodland lodges, hotels, a waterpark, and more. Local Green MSP Ross Greer urged Flamingo Land to accept the decision and move on, highlighting the stress caused to the community over the decade-long battle against the controversial plans.

The developers have until Monday to challenge the rejection with the Scottish Government. The proposed resort faced significant opposition from locals and environmental groups, resulting in a historic victory for activists. The rejection marked the end of a public meeting where the planning application was dismissed by 14 votes to 0 by Park Authority board members.

Greer suggested that the historic Woodbank House owned by Flamingo Land could still be redeveloped with a more suitable plan, offering a potential compromise. The wider plans faced extensive opposition, with a petition against the development collecting over 155,000 signatures, making it the most objected-to planning application in Scottish history.

The National Park planners had recommended against the proposal, stating that the scale of the project did not align with the aim of preserving the natural and cultural heritage of Loch Lomond. While developers argued that the resort would boost the local economy, the overall consensus was against the massive development.

Flamingo Land’s previous attempt to build a resort in Loch Lomond in 2019 was abandoned due to local opposition, only to resurface with a revised proposal in 2022. The Scottish Government retains the authority to intervene in local planning decisions if deemed necessary for national interest. Despite the looming deadline for appeal, Flamingo Land has remained silent on the matter.

In conclusion, the rejection of Flamingo Land’s Loch Lomond resort bid marks a significant victory for local activists and environmental campaigners. The decision underscores the importance of community engagement in shaping sustainable development projects and preserving natural landscapes. It also highlights the ongoing debate between economic development and environmental conservation in sensitive areas like Loch Lomond. The outcome serves as a reminder of the power of grassroots mobilisation in influencing decision-making processes and protecting cherished natural heritage sites for future generations.