Flamingo Land bids to overturn Loch Lomond resort decision

Yorkshire-based theme park operator Flamingo Land wants to build a water park, self-catering lodges and a hotel on the site at Balloch, West Dunbartonshire.

But its planning application was refused for a second time in September by the Loch Lomond and National Park Authority’s board. 

The company said last month it would be taking the decision to ministers in an effort to have it overturned.

Scottish Enterprise has also revealed it has extended an exclusivity deal with Flamingo Land for a section of land at Loch Lomond.

As part of a deal with Scottish Enterprise, the sale of the land is contingent on planning permissions being obtained ahead of time. But the enterprise body said it would extend it to allow for an appeal.

Jim Paterson, development director for Lomond Banks, said: “We have submitted our appeal for our Lomond Banks development to the Planning and Environmental Appeals Division (DPEA) in line with the timings outlined to us via letter from Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park.

The meeting in Balloch where the Flamingoland application was thrown out. Centre Heather Reid, who chaired the packed public meeting.

“We wholeheartedly believe in the many benefits Lomond Banks could bring to Balloch, the Vale of Leven and Scotland as a whole, and ask the DPEA for a fair hearing and to consider the facts of the proposals.

“In socioeconomic terms, the level of financial investment and jobs together with the consideration and conservation of the natural environment, offers a notable boost and we have been urged by members of the local community to drive forward with the appeal in the hope that the many benefits this development would bring can be unlocked and brought to fruition.”

A spokesperson for Scottish Enterprise said: “Scotland’s statutory planning process is designed to ensure that economic, environmental and community interests are all taken into account when an application is considered.

“That is why we opted to make any sale of the land at West Riverside subject to planning permission, ensuring that the full range of evidence and views are fully considered. 

“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.

“We continue our engagement with Balloch and Haldane Community Council around their plans to see how we can support them while this process is ongoing.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Scottish Ministers always consider the views of communities across many issues. But it is for Scottish Enterprise to look after its contractual arrangements.”

Top of page: The Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park board meeting decided against allowing Flaminghland/Lomond Banks to create their build a water park, self-catering lodges and a hotel on the site at Balloch.