MSPs to debate revised plans for Flamingo Land Loch Lomond development
Leisure company submits new plan for holiday complex at Balloch
Last updated 22nd Jun 2022
The future of one of the most famous places in Scotland's on the agenda at Holyrood today at MSPs have their say on revised plans for large leisure development at Loch Lomond.
Green MSP for Glasgow, Ross Greer, is to lead a debate on the Lomond Banks development proposed by the owners of the Flamingo Land theme park in Yorkshire.
Record-breaking objections
A previous application was withdrawn in 2019 after nearly 60 thousand objections were made.
The company submitted a fresh application to the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park in May 2002 after what it called "a period of reflection, community liaison and enhanced ecological studies".
The resort would include a 60-bedroom apart-hotel and 32-bed budget hotel as well as up to 127 self-catering holiday lodges.
Other proposals include a leisure pool, waterpark, spa, restaurants, cafe, retail areas and craft brewery.
“Totally inappropriate” – Ross Greer
Scottish Greens West Scotland MSP Ross Greer said:
“While there are some welcome concessions from the developer this time – especially the exclusion of Drumkinnon Woods from the plans - the proposals are still on a scale which is totally inappropriate, and which would have huge consequences for Balloch and Loch Lomond.
“As West Dunbartonshire council pointed out last time, this would put huge pressure on local roads which already struggle to cope during tourist seasons. I’m still concerned by the effect this largely enclosed resort would have on existing local businesses, who could see trade drawn away from them. And that’s not to mention the impact such a huge development will have on the world-famous natural landscape of Loch Lomond, the very thing tourists come to see in the first place.
“One of things which makes Balloch so special is how it makes Loch Lomond accessible to anyone who can afford a train fare from Glasgow. Putting an exclusive resort in the way of that would be a step backwards.”
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Promise to protect tourism jewel
Lomond Banks says the development will be in keeping with its environment the company wants to complement what makes Loch Lomond so attractive to visitors.
It says the aim would be to invest and hire locally, as well as working with local businesses to maximise the benefits of the development for all.
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