Environmental and community campaigners have applauded the Scottish Government’s decision to reject plans for a leisure resort at Loch Lomond.
Ministers overturned a recommendation from its own reporter that the £40 million scheme by Flamingo Land should go ahead.
Labour MSP for the area Jackie Baillie said “there is nothing like an election to concentrate minds” as she welcomed the verdict.
“It has long been clear that the proposal was flawed and it was rejected by the overwhelming majority of my local community,” she said.
The decision follows a long-running battle between Yorkshire-based Flamingo Land and local campaigners who were supported by the Scottish Greens.
The theme park operator first submitted plans for Lomond Banks in 2018 an an updated submission followed an outcry over the project which would have seen two hotels, 100 lodges, restaurants, bars, a waterpark and monorail built on the site at Balloch.
The Loch Lomond and the Trossachs Park Authority rejected the proposals, but following an appeal the Scottish Government reporter said the scheme should proceed.
Under pressure from opposition MSPs, Public Finance Minister Ivan McKee recalled the plans, meaning the final decision would be made by ministers.
The Scottish Green Party co-leader Ross Greer commented: “This is a huge victory for the local community and for the historic campaign we built over the last decade.
“This mega resort would have had a devastating impact on the iconic local environment, the community and the local economy.”
Jim Paterson, development director for Lomond Banks, said he was “extremely disappointed” by the decision to dismiss the appeal but insisted the battle was not over.
“This proposal represented a transformational investment in Balloch and the wider area, delivering significant employment, regeneration and long-term economic benefits to one of Scotland’s most disadvantaged communities.
“We will now carefully review the decision in full and consider our options.”
source