Flamingo Land Lodges Appeal Following Land Deal Extension

Flamingo Land, a theme park operator, has lodged an appeal with the Scottish government following two rejections of its proposals for a £40 million holiday resort adjacent to Loch Lomond. This action follows criticism directed at Scottish Enterprise for prolonging an exclusive agreement with the company concerning a parcel of land by the loch, thereby enabling the potential for an additional appeal. The company’s plans for its Lomond Banks resort encompass a monorail, a waterpark, a hotel, and restaurants. The planning permission application received its second denial in September. Ross Greer, a Scottish Green MSP and prominent opponent of the plans, characterized Scottish Enterprise’s decision as “bitterly disappointing”. Furthermore, Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie stated that inhabitants of the West Dunbartonshire community opposed the progression of the development. The proposed project had previously generated opposition due to concerns such as flood risk, increased vehicular traffic, and effects on local businesses, with over 174,000 individuals endorsing a petition against it. The board of the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park authority unanimously rejected the development, determining that it failed to adhere to environmental and nature conservation policies. However, Scottish Enterprise has now declared the extension of the land agreement, stating its purpose is to ensure “the full range of evidence and views are fully considered”. A spokeswoman further commented: “We believe this process should be allowed to run to its conclusion. Scottish Enterprise will therefore extend the conditional missive with the developer to allow any planning appeal to be considered.” The agency indicated its intention to maintain engagement with the Balloch and Haldane Community Council to explore avenues of support during the ongoing process. Nevertheless, citing commercial considerations, it refrained from disclosing the scheduled expiration date of the agreement. Greer, who serves as a representative for the West Scotland region at Holyrood, remarked: “This ridiculous company just doesn’t know when to give up, and it is bitterly disappointing that the Scottish government are helping them in their attempts to ruin this special corner of Loch Lomond.” He added: “Extending Flamingo Land’s exclusive contract for the land means that an appeal is now all but certain, despite the overwhelming reasons for its rejection in the first place.” The MSP also conveyed he was “incredibly frustrated” regarding the contract, stating it “should have been terminated years ago”. Dame Jackie Baillie, who has represented the Dumbarton constituency since 1999, commented: “This was a unanimous decision of the Loch Lomond and National Park authority’s board, following a very tense meeting, during which the feelings of the community were made clear.” She continued: “I am clear that there is significant opposition to this development in the community, for a variety of reasons.” She called upon First Minister John Swinney to intervene and terminate the agreement. Baillie further stated: “I am clear that the majority of the community do not wish this development to go ahead.” Jim Paterson, Flamingo Land’s development director for Lomond Banks, expressed his hope that his company’s appeal would result in “the many benefits this development would bring” being “unlocked and brought to fruition”. He also mentioned that the final proposals for the site were modified to “reflect more than two years of ongoing community engagement”. Mr. Paterson asserted that the resort would contribute £3.9 million to the local economy. A spokesperson for the Scottish government remarked: “Scottish Ministers always consider the views of communities across many issues. But it is for Scottish Enterprise to look after its contractual arrangements.” Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.