One month to save Loch Lomond: 140,000 oppose disastrous Flamingo Land proposal
We have one month to save Loch Lomond from Yorkshire-based theme park operator Flamingo Land, says Scottish Green MSP Ross Greer, who has led the campaign against the controversial proposal.
The final decision on the application, which would create a mega-resort on the iconic banks at Balloch, will be made on September 16th at a meeting of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park board.
Over 140,000 people have lodged objections to the damaging and destructive plan using a campaign portal set up by the Scottish Greens. This makes it by far the most unpopular planning application in history. Organisations who have objected include the National Trust for Scotland, Woodland Trust and Ramblers Scotland, as well as the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.
Flamingo Land’s application would see 104 woodland lodges, two hotels, a waterpark, monorail, 372 car parking spaces, shops and more crammed onto the banks of Loch Lomond.
Mr Greer said: “Flamingo Land’s mega-resort would be a disaster for one of the most iconic sites in Scotland.
“It would scar our world-famous landscape, cause irreversible damage to our local wildlife and environment, bring huge numbers of additional cars onto already dangerously congested local roads and threaten existing local businesses.
“The fact that over 140,000 people have taken the time to object to these proposals tells you how unpopular they are. The people of Balloch have endured so much stress and anxiety after nearly a decade of Flamingo Land trying to get their hands on this amazing corner of the Loch.
“With only one month to go, I urge the National Park’s board to do the right thing and protect Loch Lomond from greedy developers. It’s not too late for anyone who cares about the Loch to lodge your objection via the Scottish Greens’ website.
“Back when this sorry saga began, Flamingo Land’s chief executive promised to walk away if they didn’t gain public support. They clearly haven’t.
"This is by far the most opposed planning application in Scottish history and the company’s behaviour has caused deep resentment in Balloch. It is time for them to listen to the local community and withdraw their destructive plans for good.”
