by Bill Heaney
Lomond Banks, the developers seeking to build a £40m holiday park on the banks of Loch Lomond, have turned their unwanted beak in the direction of Balloch and launched an appeal against the Scottish government’s rejection of the plan.
Lomond Banks said it had “fundamental issues” with how government ministers reached their decision in February, but thousands upon thousands of objectors will be dismayed to be told this news.
The Scottish government said its ruling was due to “flood risk, woodland loss and wider policy conflicts” caused by the development, which would see a waterpark, a monorail, a hotel and restaurants built by theme park operator Flamingo Land.
The plans sparked years of debate and protests by some locals, who feared it would ruin one of Scotland’s most scenic spots.
Loch Lomond and the Trossachs Park Authority initially rejected the plan in September 2024, only for the Scottish government to overturn that decision after an appeal by Lomond Banks.
However, it then recalled the plans due to the impact on the local area, resulting in February’s decision by ministers.
Flamingo Land now intends to take the case to the Court of Session.
Jim Paterson, the development director for Lomond Banks, said: “Having reviewed the Scottish ministers’ decision in detail, we believe there are fundamental issues with the way in which ministers reached their conclusion, and that it is appropriate for these to now be examined by the court.
“Lomond Banks remains a major opportunity for Balloch and the wider area, with the potential to deliver significant investment, jobs, regeneration and lasting economic benefits.”
The Scottish Greens consistently opposed the plans after they were announced.
Party co-leader Ross Greer called the latest appeal “a desperate roll of the dice” and an insult to people in the region who had protested against the proposal.
He added: “I expect the Scottish government to vigorously defend their decision in court. The evidence of the harm these daft plans would do was overwhelming. That’s why every expert organisation involved was opposed to the application.
“Loch Lomond means so much to people across Scotland. That is why the opposition to these plans has been so overwhelming. Balloch residents want an end to this process. They deserve so much better than a destructive mega-resort being inflicted on their doorstep.”
The decision to reject the development earlier this year went against the recommendation of the government’s own adviser, who previously ruled it should be approved.
Ministers said that although they accepted his findings, they had reached a different conclusion regarding possible risks in the development, especially regarding flooding and the loss of historic woodland in the area.
The report called the decision “finely balanced” and said allowing the resort would bring economic benefits to the area.
Objections against the Flamingo Land development broke all records for a petition in Scotland.