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Telegraph
a day ago
- Business
- Telegraph
How a theme park became the most unpopular project in Scottish history
From the station at Balloch where the train from Glasgow terminates, it's a short stroll through delightful woodland to the famous 'bonnie banks' of Loch Lomond, Scotland. Yet during the walk, Lynne Somerville becomes more and more agitated. 'This,' she points out as a family walks past with a toddler in a pushchair, 'is where the monorail would run.' 'Here,' she says as two dog walkers amble by, 'are the trees that would be cut down to make room for the lodges.' Where the woods end abruptly, a beach overlooks one of Scotland's finest and most recognisable panoramas: the vast expanse of the loch, stretching northwards to the towering peak of Ben Lomond. Fringed with hills as far as the eye can see, the water is dotted with kayakers, paddle-boarders, yachts berthed at a distant marina and cruise boats carrying tourists. 'And this,' Somerville explains, 'is where they want to build the hotel and water park. 'This place, this view... It's a national treasure. What they're planning here is just an act of vandalism.' Her anger is directed at a divisive proposal by theme park operator Flamingo Land to build a holiday resort on the southern shores of Loch Lomond. Known as Lomond Banks, the project has been described as 'the most unpopular planning application in Scottish history', after a petition against it gathered more than 155,000 signatures. While it is only the latest attempt by business to capitalise on Loch Lomond's enduring appeal – the area has drawn mass tourism for more than 200 years – it is certainly the most controversial. Planning permission was denied last year after the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park authority ruled the resort was incompatible with environmental and conservation policies. But last month, a planning official appointed by the Scottish Government overruled that decision and granted the resort provisional approval. Objectors – including Somerville, who lives nearby and sits on the local community council – are outraged, and are stepping up their campaign to block the development through political pressure and even the threat of legal action. Inevitably, though, Lomond Banks also has supporters – who believe the £40 million project will deliver a much-needed boost to tourism, create jobs and attract investment. With a final decision expected later this year, both sides have shared with The Telegraph their strong views on the subject – sparking a debate not only about Loch Lomond but also about the role of national parks and, more broadly, about how to manage development in Britain's scenic areas in a way that balances the often-competing aims of conservation and economic growth, the needs of local residents and the demands of visitors. Billed as a 'world-class family tourism destination', Lomond Banks is being proposed by Flamingo Land, which also runs a theme park and zoo in North Yorkshire named after the brightly coloured birds that were introduced to the site when it opened in the 1950s. After initial plans in 2018 were met with strong opposition, the company submitted new proposals in 2020 for a 'resort village' featuring a 60-room hotel, budget hostel with 32 beds and 100 self-catering holiday lodges. The proposed resort would include a swimming pool, water park and spa, along with restaurants, a café, craft brewery and beer hall, plus picnic and barbecue areas – all connected by a monorail. It is set to be built in the village of Balloch, long regarded as the gateway to Loch Lomond. Tourists first began flocking to the area in the 18th century, drawn by the romantic allure of Highland scenery. By the 19th and 20th centuries, it had become a popular escape for Glaswegians seeking respite from the city's industrial smog – just 25 miles away. Fittingly, the proposed development would sit beside a striking symbol of tourism's evolution: the Maid of the Loch paddle steamer. In its 1950s heyday, the vessel carried up to 1,000 visitors at a time across the loch. Now retired and resting at the water's edge, it awaits long-promised restoration. At present, the main draw in Balloch is the Loch Lomond Shores visitor centre, opened in 2002. It features a viewing platform, aquarium, shopping mall with cafés, outdoor clothing stores, gift shops and a small branch of Frasers – all set beside a sprawling car park. The new resort would straddle this existing hub, with one half built in the wooded West Riverside area between the train station and the loch, and the other in the grounds of the ruined Woodbank House. The mansion would be restored to provide self-catering accommodation, surrounded by a cluster of holiday lodges. Flamingo Land insists the resort would 'reflect its beautiful natural surroundings' and 'complement the scenic landscape'. But the Balloch and Haldane community council argues the development would undermine the very qualities that draw visitors to the area. Somerville explains: 'The company is trying to profit from selling Bonnie Scotland to the tourists. People have always come here for the scenery, to get away from the city and to enjoy nature and fresh air. But these plans would mean losing the essence of the place, destroying its character. 'Loch Lomond has a national identity – but that would be lost for ever, for the sake of a development that won't create value for local people and would buckle the area's infrastructure.' The community council has warned the resort would make life a 'living hell' for locals, citing a dramatic rise in traffic and fears it would siphon trade away from existing hotels and restaurants. Somerville adds: 'The resort is just too big. If it went ahead, it would completely swamp the village.' Not all residents are firmly opposed. Some, like Debbie Savage – who runs a fitness business and walks her dog, Ruby, in the woods – remain undecided. She says: 'There's a danger the area could be ruined if the development is too commercial or done in a way that isn't sensitive. I understand the need for investment, but it has to be done in a way that is mindful of local residents.' Some, however, are firmly in favour – including Neil Mayles, who runs a business selling boats and marine equipment. He says: 'The national park authority hasn't always been the friend of business and enterprise, so something is desperately needed in the area to bring employment and investment. The planned resort would bring nothing but benefits.' The developers are keen to emphasise that Lomond Banks would create hundreds of local jobs during construction, followed by 200 full-time, part-time and seasonal roles once the resort opens. In overturning the national park authority's decision to reject the plans, the Scottish Government's planning reporter also concluded that the project could deliver 'locally significant' benefits in terms of employment and economic growth. The company argues that those opposed to the development represent only a 'vocal minority'. Jim Paterson, the project's development director, says: 'Our vision to bring about plans that create economic growth, investment, jobs and an infrastructure that will benefit the local community and beyond, is unwavering. 'The reality is that Lomond Banks has undergone extensive scrutiny. Following an independent and detailed review, the Government's planning reporter has issued a notice of intention to recommend our proposals for approval, recognising that they align with planning policy and will deliver significant public benefits. These include the restoration of the historic Woodbank House ruin, enhancements to biodiversity, and much-needed economic regeneration.' Paterson insists the resort would encroach on just 280 metres of Loch Lomond's 153km shoreline, and says it would be 'sympathetically designed to reflect the scale, character and natural beauty of the area'. Even so, fallout from the reporter's provisional approval continues. The National Park authority has described the decision as 'deeply disappointing' and says it stands by its original reasons for rejecting the plan. The Scottish Government, meanwhile, has declined to comment, stating only that the decision was made on its behalf by an independent planning expert. Opponents have been far more outspoken. The Scottish Green Party has urged the SNP Government to 'put the natural environment ahead of corporate profit' and reconsider the ruling, while the local community council remains resolute in its campaign to block Lomond Banks. Somerville adds: 'What's happened is grossly undemocratic. What's the point of having a national park authority with planning powers if the Government simply overrules it? As far as we're concerned, the future of one of Scotland's most beautiful places is at stake. This resort mustn't be allowed to go ahead.'
Scottish Sun
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
New Flamingo Land theme park planned for top UK tourist beauty spot – and people aren't happy
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A NEW theme park wanting to open in the UK has been delivered another blow. An emergency meeting has been set up to discuss the development of Flamingo Land in Scotland which is set to gain planning permission after 49 conditions were added to the new application. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Planning for the attraction was originally submitted back in 2018 Credit: Lomond Banks Back in 2018, plans for a new attraction were submitted by Flamingo Land for the banks of Loch Lomond in Scotland. However, the following year they were withdrawn due to a lack of support - which seems to have also continued ever since. In 2020, updated plans were resubmitted, insisting that the new attraction would be a "major step away" from its other resort - which includes a theme park and zoo in Yorkshire, reports the BBC. The theme park operator wants to build a £40million resort on Lomond Banks that would include a waterpark, monorail, hotel and restaurants. Despite this, the Loch Lomond park authority board ruled that even the updated plans still conflicted with both regional and national environmental polices. The lake in southern Scotland, which is part of the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, is known for boasting red deer and oak woodlands. Among the risks listed, Stuart Pearce from the park authority noted how the plans would create an "unacceptable risk" of flooding of the River Leven. Following the release of the updated plans, more than 174,000 people signed a petition against the project. The current Flamingo Land resort on north Yorkshire opened back in 1959 - originally as a zoo. The attraction got its name from the popular pink bird, which were among the first animals on the site in Yorkshire. The perfect Haven holiday park for a kid-friendly break - with direct beach access, indoor waterpark and neighbouring seaside theme park Now a public meeting has been set for May 30 to discuss the proposals for the banks of Loch Lomond. The meeting follows news that the Scottish government approved permission for the development - overturning the decision of the national park authority. Scottish Greens MSP Ross Greer, who does not support the plan, said that the development would cause "irreversible damage" and the decision was an "anti-democratic outrage". He added: "Their destructive plans were unanimously rejected by the National Park's board, opposed by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, the National Trust for Scotland, the Woodland Trust, the Park's expert planning officers and 155,000 people who joined our Save Loch Lomond campaign." He labelled the developer as "greedy" and that it would not take "no for an answer". "We are urgently considering our options for continuing this fight. I will leave no stone unturned in the campaign to save Loch Lomond," he concluded. 3 Loch Lomond is a lake in southern Scotland - part of the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Credit: Alamy The Balloch and Haldane Community Council also noted how they were "deeply disappointed" in the Scottish government's decision which it said "contradicts the expressed will of the community". In an 80-page document on the site, an evaluation noted how there has been a lot of opposition to the plans. However, it also said that the site could operate safely despite the risk of flooding and added that there could be benefits to the local community in terms of jobs and a boost to the economy. If the project did go ahead it would likely have two hotels, more than 100 lodges, a waterpark and a monorail built. A bird-inspired £5million adventure play park is also planned for a UK attraction, and is 'to be a place of wonder for families'. Plus, a major UK theme park is to get a huge new land by 2027 with rollercoasters, kids rides and indoor attractions.
The Irish Sun
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
New Flamingo Land theme park planned for top UK tourist beauty spot – and people aren't happy
A NEW theme park wanting to open in the UK has been delivered another blow. An emergency meeting has been set up to discuss the development of Flamingo Land in Scotland which is set to gain planning permission after 49 conditions were added to the new application. Advertisement 3 Planning for the attraction was originally submitted back in 2018 Credit: Lomond Banks Back in 2018, plans for a new attraction were submitted by Flamingo Land for the banks of Loch Lomond in Scotland. However, the following year they were withdrawn due to a lack of support - which seems to have also continued ever since. In 2020, updated plans were resubmitted, insisting that the new attraction would be a "major step away" from its other resort - which includes a theme park and zoo in Yorkshire, reports the The theme park operator wants to build a £40million resort on Lomond Banks that would include a Advertisement Read more on theme parks Despite this, the The lake in southern Scotland, which is part of the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, is known for boasting red deer and oak woodlands. Among the risks listed, Stuart Pearce from the park authority noted how the plans would create an "unacceptable risk" of flooding of the River Leven. Following the release of the updated plans, more than 174,000 people signed a petition against the project. Advertisement Most read in News Travel The current Flamingo Land resort on north Yorkshire opened back in 1959 - originally as a zoo. The attraction got its name from the popular pink bird, which were among the first animals on the site in Yorkshire. The perfect Haven holiday park for a kid-friendly break - with direct beach access, indoor waterpark and neighbouring seaside theme park Now a public meeting has been set for May 30 to discuss the proposals for the banks of Loch Lomond. The meeting follows news that the Scottish government approved permission for the development - overturning the decision of the national park authority. Advertisement Scottish Greens MSP Ross Greer, who does not support the plan, said that the development would cause "irreversible damage" and the decision was an "anti-democratic outrage". He added: "Their destructive plans were unanimously rejected by the National Park's board, opposed by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, the National Trust for Scotland, the Woodland Trust, the Park's expert planning officers and 155,000 people who joined our Save Loch Lomond campaign." He labelled the developer as "greedy" and that it would not take "no for an answer". "We are urgently considering our options for continuing this fight. I will leave no stone unturned in the campaign to save Loch Lomond," he concluded. Advertisement 3 Loch Lomond is a lake in southern Scotland - part of the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Credit: Alamy The Balloch and Haldane Community Council also noted how they were "deeply disappointed" in the Scottish government's decision which it said "contradicts the expressed will of the community". In an 80-page document on the site, an evaluation noted how there has been a lot of opposition to the plans. However, it also said that the site could operate safely despite the risk of flooding and added that there could be benefits to the local community in terms of jobs and a boost to the economy. Advertisement If the project did go ahead it would likely have two hotels, more than 100 lodges, a waterpark and a A Plus, 3 Many locals still oppose the plans, which will be discussed at a meeting on May 30 Credit: Lomond Banks Advertisement
The Herald Scotland
28-05-2025
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
Emergency public meeting called over Flamingo Land decision
A panel, made up of MSP Ross Greer, MSP Jackie Baillie, MSP Pam Gosal, councillor Jim Bollan with special guest The Wee Glesga Poet, has been arranged to share their insights and thoughts on the development. It comes after the Scottish Government reporter upheld an appeal from the Yorkshire-based theme park operator but added 49 conditions to the application. Balloch and Haldane Community Council has urged the Scottish Government to reverse its decision to recommend planning permission while expressing its 'deep disappointment and outrage' to approve the proposals, which they claim contradicts the 'expressed will' of the local community. READ MORE: As part of the conditions, the applicant will now have to reach an agreement with Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority – which rejected the proposals last year – before the application can progress. Under the £43.5 million proposals, Lomond Banks would see two hotels, more than 100 lodges, a waterpark and monorail built on the site at Balloch, West Dunbartonshire. The development has been proposed for years, with Lomond Banks pulling out in 2019 before returning with a new application, which has proven controversial with the local community. Councillor Jim Bollan, who is expected to be part of Friday's panel, said: 'The campaign to save Loch Lomond is at a critical stage. 'I would ask the public to contact their MSPs and urge them to vote for Ross Greer's motion S6M-17650, which is being tabled in the Scottish Parliament to call in and refuse the Flamingo Land application.' A spokesperson for Balloch and Haldane Community Council previously said: 'This is not just a bad planning decision — it is a fundamental failure of democracy and policy. 'This decision rides roughshod over the principles of community empowerment, environmental protection, and democratic accountability. 'Our community, through proper statutory channels, objected in strong and clear terms. The will of the people has been ignored.' A Scottish Government spokesperson also said at the time: 'An independent reporter has issued a decision intimating that he is minded to grant planning permission in principle for the proposal subject to 49 planning conditions subject to a legal agreement being reached between the national park authority and developer to secure the employment and environment issues that are set out in the Lomond Promise. 'As the appeal remains live, it would not be appropriate to comment further on the merits of the proposed development.' The meeting will start at 6.30pm this Friday.
The Herald Scotland
28-05-2025
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
Emergency meeting planned over Flamingo Land decision
A panel, made up of MSP Ross Greer, MSP Jackie Baillie, MSP Pam Gosal, councillor Jim Bollan with special guest The Wee Glesga Poet, has been arranged to share their insights and thoughts on the development. It comes after the Scottish Government reporter upheld an appeal from the Yorkshire-based theme park operator but added 49 conditions to the application. Balloch and Haldane Community Council has urged the Scottish Government to reverse its decision to recommend planning permission while expressing its 'deep disappointment and outrage' to approve the proposals, which they claim contradicts the 'expressed will' of the local community. READ MORE: As part of the conditions, the applicant will now have to reach an agreement with Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority – which rejected the proposals last year – before the application can progress. Under the £43.5 million proposals, Lomond Banks would see two hotels, more than 100 lodges, a waterpark and monorail built on the site at Balloch, West Dunbartonshire. The development has been proposed for years, with Lomond Banks pulling out in 2019 before returning with a new application, which has proven controversial with the local community. Councillor Jim Bollan, who is expected to be part of Friday's panel, said: 'The campaign to save Loch Lomond is at a critical stage. 'I would ask the public to contact their MSPs and urge them to vote for Ross Greer's motion S6M-17650, which is being tabled in the Scottish Parliament to call in and refuse the Flamingo Land application.' A spokesperson for Balloch and Haldane Community Council previously said: 'This is not just a bad planning decision — it is a fundamental failure of democracy and policy. 'This decision rides roughshod over the principles of community empowerment, environmental protection, and democratic accountability. 'Our community, through proper statutory channels, objected in strong and clear terms. The will of the people has been ignored.' A Scottish Government spokesperson also said at the time: 'An independent reporter has issued a decision intimating that he is minded to grant planning permission in principle for the proposal subject to 49 planning conditions subject to a legal agreement being reached between the national park authority and developer to secure the employment and environment issues that are set out in the Lomond Promise. 'As the appeal remains live, it would not be appropriate to comment further on the merits of the proposed development.' The meeting will start at 6.30pm this Friday.
