Plans to build theme park on Loch Lomond ‘most unpopular in Scottish history’
A plan to build a theme park on the shores of Loch Lomond is being called the most unpopular idea in Scottish history.
More than 64,000 people have signed a petition against Flamingo Land’s proposed development in Balloch, which sits on the loch’s southern tip.
The company wants to set up a hotel, waterpark, monorail, water sports hub and more than 100 lodges in the area.
This is the second time Flamingo Land has tried to get plans approved, after they withdrew their application in 2019.
A petition launched by the Scottish Greens back then garnered more than 60,000 signatures, which the party claimed made the plans ‘the most unpopular in Scottish history’.
Opposition to this new application has hit almost 65,000 names, giving the most recent petition its predecessor’s title.
The current plans do not include any proposals to develop Drumkinnon Wood, just south-east of Loch Lomond Shores, which were a major point of contention during the first process.
But those against the theme park still believe the build will ‘scar’ the landscape and ‘rip out nature’.
West Scotland Green MSP Ross Greer who has led efforts against the proposals over the last seven years said: ‘There can be no clearer sign for those considering this nature wrecking application that the public do not want it in our National Park.
‘This “resort” would be a scar on the area, a blight on a world-famous natural landscape and a slap in the face to tens of thousands of people who have voiced their objections.
‘If the sheer embarrassment of having the most unpopular planning application in Scottish history isn’t enough, if the strength of community feeling against it isn’t enough.
‘If the weight of expert opinion from the likes of the Woodland Trust and National Trust for Scotland isn’t enough to force Flamingo Land into walking away, then it is for the National Park’s board to do the right thing and reject their plans entirely.
‘Flamingo Land’s mega resort plans have no place at Balloch, and I will continue to campaign with this army of objectors until our corner of Loch Lomond is safe. Together, we’ll beat them for good this time.’
Lomond Banks’ development director James Paterson previously reassured everyone that the area would not be closed to the public.
He said: ‘We wholly appreciate that ensuring access to the area is paramount to creating those strong links with the local community.
‘These plans are within a location that for a long time has been designated for such a development, and we believe we have struck the right balance between bringing strong economic growth and employment opportunities to the area, being ecologically sensitive to the natural surroundings and ensuring Lomond Banks is something that everyone will be able to enjoy.
‘We have consulted within the local community extensively over the last 12 months and have welcomed a lot of support for the plans, in particular around our accessibility pledge.’
Metro.co.uk has contacted Flamingo Land for comment.
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