Latest news with #SaveLochLomond
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 However, the following year they were withdrawn due to a lack of support - which seems to have also continued ever since.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 Herald Scotland
16-05-2025
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
Judicial review call as Flamingo Land Lomond Banks approved
What's clear is the sense of shock felt by some in the community. Balloch and Haldane Community Council expressed 'deep disappointment and outrage' and called for an emergency meeting of all key stakeholders and political representatives. Alannah Maurer of Save Loch Lomond described it as an 'affront to democracy'. But it is not necessarily over. At least one option now remains through which approval can be opposed – a judicial review, petitioned by the Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park Authority (LLTNPA), the planning authority which rejected it in September last year. LLTNPA are standing by their decision. Dr Heather Reid, Convener of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority Board, said: 'We acknowledge the notification from the Scottish Government Reporter that he is minded to allow the appeal and grant Planning Permission in Principle for the Lomond Banks tourism development in Balloch. 'We stand by the reasons for the Board's unanimous decision to refuse this planning application and it is deeply disappointing that the Reporter has taken a different view. We will now take some time to go through the report and to understand its implications.' But will the National Park authority petition fight this decision? National Parks campaigner and author of the ParkswatchScotland blog, Nick Kempe, has called on the park authority 'to petition for judicial review'. Kempe, who believes that one of the reasons that the reporter made this decision is 'because the LLTNPA's reasons for rejecting the application were so weak', says: 'If they want to now show faith as a National Park, they need to challenge this decision. They now need to start behaving like a National Park and challenge this decision.' Artist's impression of Lomond Banks (Image: Lomond Banks) Other avenues for fighting the development appear to have now closed. Scottish Government ministers can no longer call in and overturn it because the window, before the Reporter makes a decision, for doing this has passed. That ministers failed to call it in has infuriated some campaigners. Alannah Maurer of Save Loch Lomond said: 'The Scottish Government should have called it in before the reporter made this decision. They had all the tools in the box and chose not to use them. It's cowardice. They don't want to use them. Now the only option is a judicial review. It's an affront to democracy. The SNP have abdicated responsibility.' Read more from Vicky Allan: The resort, comprising woodland lodges, hotels, monorail, waterpark and other facilities, has often been described as the 'most objected to' planning application in history due to the over 150,000 objection signatures gathered through a petition portal. Lomond Banks, the resort's developer, owned by the Yorkshire theme park operator Flamingo Land, had appealed the rejection by LLTNPA and responded to the decision with delight. Jim Paterson, Development Director for Lomond Banks, said: 'This is a real milestone moment for the Lomond Banks vision, and has been a long time in the making." Lynne Somerville, director of Loch Lomond South Community Development Trust (Image: Colin Mearns) Meanwhile, the decision has a potential negative impact on plans which have been developed by Balloch and Haldane Community Council (BHCC) and The Loch Lomond South Community Development Trust. A planning application has already been submitted for the temporary asset transfer of the Tourist Information Building and relationships developed with partners. 'This is not just a bad planning decision," a spokesperson for BHCC said, "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.' READ MORE: The Loch Lomond South Community Development Trust has said it will move forward with developing a positive, community-led alternative for the site — one that reflects 'local values, protects natural heritage, and promotes sustainable, inclusive tourism". 'This is about more than just opposing a development,' said a Trust spokesperson. 'It's about creating a future that reflects the true spirit of Loch Lomond — one led by the people who live here, not imposed from above.' 'We are not backing down,' BHCC added. 'The gloves are off. This is our community, our land, and our future — and we will fight for it.'
BBC News
16-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Loch Lomond Flamingo Land resort set for approval after appeal
The Scottish government is set to give permission for a controversial holiday park development at Loch Lomond, overturning the decision of the national park authority. Theme park operator Flamingo Land wants to build a £40m resort called Lomond Banks, featuring a waterpark, monorail, hotel and restaurants. The proposal sparked protests and was initially rejected in September by Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park authority, who said it did not comply with environmental and nature conservation policies. But that was appealed to the Scottish government reporter, who has now said they intend to grant permission - subject to a legal agreement between Flamingo Land and the park. Development director for Lomond Banks Jim Paterson said it was a "real milestone moment" which had been "a long time in the making".But Scottish Green MSP Ross Greer, who was a long-standing critic of the plan, said 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."This greedy developer would not take no for an answer and I am shocked that government officials have put Flamingo Land's interests above the need to protect Loch Lomond."We are urgently considering our options for continuing this fight. I will leave no stone unturned in the campaign to save Loch Lomond." Economy boost In an 80-page notice of intention, the planning reporter said there had been a "very significant" number of objections to the proposal, with many claiming the site was unsuitable. But he said it did not conflict with the local development plan for the area, or the rules set out in the government's national planning framework. He said the site could operate safely despite being within a flood risk area, and also said there could be "locally significant" benefits in terms of jobs and a boost to the the reporter said full permission would only be granted if an agreement could be reached between the developer and the park on the "Lomond Promise".This is a pledge by Flamingo Land to promote local businesses, provide jobs for local people and suppliers, and develop plans to protect the environment and prevent anti-social behaviour. There are 26 weeks for this agreement to be reached - and if it is not, the reporter will reconsider whether to approve or reject the application. Flamingo Land first submitted plans for the site in 2018, but withdrew them the following year after a wave of negative submitted updated plans in 2020, insisting the proposal would be a "major step away" from its other resorts, including a theme park and zoo in the Loch Lomond park authority board ruled that the updated scheme still conflicted with both regional and national environmental Pearce, "director of place" for the park authority, previously said the plans created "unacceptable risk" of flooding of the River than 174,000 people signing a petition against the at a public meeting last year, the Balloch and Haldane Community Council said it would "go against the very will of the people who live in the area". 'Sustainable investment' Mr Paterson, from Lomond Banks, said he was "delighted" with the decision from the Scottish government reporter."Our proposals have been informed by more than two years of positive engagement with the local community and key stakeholders," he said."At the heart of our plans is a commitment to sustainable investment, local jobs, and a long-term partnership with the area, backed by our legally-binding Lomond Promise to ensure the future prosperity of Balloch and beyond."As we look beyond today's decision, we remain committed to being a strong and valued contributor to the local economy and we look forward to progressing with our proposals as we now consider detailed planning."
The Herald Scotland
16-05-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Flamingo Land's Loch Lomond proposals set to be approved after appeal
Planning permission was unanimously rejected by the board members of the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs Planning Authority in September last year. The developer is looking to create holiday lodges, two hotels, 372 car parking spaces, shops, a monorail and a waterpark in £40 million proposals. Planning permission will be subject to a legal agreement being reached and a final decision will be made on the matter is targeted for November 27 this year. The decision has been heavily criticised by Green MSP Ross Greer, who was a key figure in the protests against the development, while the Balloch and Haldane Community Council insist they will continue to fight the proposals too. The plans had been rejected by the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs board last year (Image: Colin Mearns) Mr Greer said: 'This is an anti-democratic outrage. I cannot believe that Flamingo Land's destructive and immensely unpopular mega-resort is being given the go-ahead by Government officials. It was the most unpopular planning application in Scottish history and will cause irreversible damage to the world-famous local environment at Loch Lomond. '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. 'This greedy developer would not take no for an answer and I am shocked that Government officials have put Flamingo Land's interests above the need to protect Loch Lomond. 'We are urgently considering our options for continuing this fight. I will leave no stone unturned in the campaign to save Loch Lomond.' A Balloch and Haldane Community Council spokesperson 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. 'We are not backing down. The gloves are off. This is our community, our land, and our future - and we will fight for it.' Read More Jim Paterson, Development Director for Lomond Banks, said: 'This is a real milestone moment for the Lomond Banks vision, and has been a long time in the making. 'Our proposals have been informed by more than two years of positive engagement with the local community and key stakeholders. At the heart of our plans is a commitment to sustainable investment, local jobs, and a long-term partnership with the area, backed by our legally binding Lomond Promise to ensure the future prosperity of Balloch and beyond. 'We are delighted by the decision made by the Scottish Government reporter today. As we look beyond today's decision, we remain committed to being a strong and valued contributor to the local economy and we look forward to progressing with our proposals as we now consider detailed planning.'
STV News
16-05-2025
- Business
- STV News
Flamingo Land resort receives approval from Scottish Government
The controversial Flamingo Land resort proposals have been granted approval by the Scottish Government. The Scottish Government Reporter gave the multi-million pound water park development for the banks of Loch Lomond 'planning permission in principle' on Friday. In other words, Flamingo Land will be allowed to proceed to the next stage of planning and scrutiny and reach an agreement with the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority – which rejected the proposals last year. Although the Reporter 'had regard to all of the points that have been raised in objection', they said those objections provide 'no grounds to depart from the presumption in favour of development that accords with the development plan'. The Yorkshire-based theme park operator Flamingo Land celebrated the decision as a 'real milestone moment for the Lomond Banks vision'. But Scottish Green MSP Ross Greer said he was 'shocked' and slammed the decision as an 'anti-democratic outrage'. 'I cannot believe that Flamingo Land's destructive and immensely unpopular mega-resort is being given the go-ahead by Government officials,' he said on Friday. '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.' More than 150,000 people previously objected to the development of the Flamingo Land waterpark on the banks of Loch Lomond. It was also formerly branded 'the most unpopular planning application in history' by the Scottish Greens. Jim Paterson, development director for Lomond Banks, said the proposals have been informed by 'more than two years of positive engagement' with local communities and stakeholders. 'At the heart of our plans is a commitment to sustainable investment, local jobs, and a long-term partnership with the area, backed by our legally binding Lomond Promise to ensure the future prosperity of Balloch and beyond,' he said on Friday. Friends of Loch Lomond and the Trosachs Flamingo Land could impact lochside roads and communities. Developers are hoping to create a 'world-class family holiday village' on the banks of Loch Lomond in Balloch, West Dunbartonshire. The current plans include a monorail, two hotels, 104 wooden lodges, up to 62 riverfront and woodland lodges, a pool, water park, and spa, restaurants, cafes, and shops, a craft brewery and beer tap hall, 372 parking spaces, outdoor event, performance and barbeque areas, and more. 'Despite what you may have heard, there are no rollercoasters, theme park attractions or flamingos earmarked for the development,' developers said on their website. The Scottish Green party previously described these plans as 'garish and completely inappropriate' for the area. Planning permission in principle does not mean that Flamingo Land will be able to proceed to development. However, it is a major milestone. Flamingo Land Ltd will now be faced with drawing up full, comprehensive plans for their resort and water park for consideration by Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. 'We are delighted by the decision made by the Scottish Government reporter today,' Mr Paterson said. 'As we look beyond today's decision, we remain committed to being a strong and valued contributor to the local economy and we look forward to progressing with our proposals as we now consider detailed planning.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
