Flamingo land appeal after land deal extension

Theme park operator Flamingo Land has submitted an appeal to the Scottish Government after plans for a £40m holiday resort next to Loch Lomond were twice rejected.

It comes after Scottish Enterprise was criticized for extending an exclusivity agreement with the firm for a section of land in the loch – raising the possibility of further appeals.

The company’s proposals for the Lomond Banks resort include a monorail, waterpark, hotel and restaurants. The application for planning permission was refused for the second time in September.

Scottish Green MSP Ross Greer, who has been a vocal critic of the plans, told Scottish Enterprise the decision was “extremely disappointing”.

And Scottish Labor deputy leader Jackie Baillie said residents of the West Dunbartonshire community did not want the development to go ahead.

The proposal had previously attracted opposition over issues including flood risk, increased traffic and the impact on local businesses – with more than 174,000 people signing a petition against it.

The Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park Authority board voted unanimously against the development, ruling that it did not comply with environmental and nature conservation policies.

But Scottish Enterprise has now announced an extension to the land deal to ensure “the full range of evidence and considerations are fully considered”.

A spokesman said: “We believe this process should be allowed to run to its conclusion.

“Therefore Scottish Enterprise will extend a conditional communication with the developer to allow any planning appeal to be considered.”

The agency said it would continue to engage with Bloch and Haldane Community Council to see how it can support them while the process continues.

But it declined to say when the deal is likely to be completed, citing commercial reasons.

Greer, who represents the West of Scotland region at Holyrood, said: “This ridiculous company doesn’t know when to give up, and it’s extremely disappointing that the Scottish Government has failed in their efforts to ruin this special corner of Loch Lomond. Is helping.

“The extension of Flamingo Land’s exclusive contract for the land means that an appeal is now almost certain, despite the overwhelming reasons for its rejection in the first instance.”

The MSP said he was “incredibly disappointed” about the contract and said it “should have been abolished years ago”.

Dame Jackie Bailey, who has represented the Dumbarton constituency since 1999, said: “This was a unanimous decision by the board of the Loch Lomond and National Park Authority after a very tense meeting, during which the feelings of the community were made clear. Was.

“I am clear there is significant opposition to this development in the community for a variety of reasons.”

He urged First Minister John Swinney to intervene and end the agreement.

Bailey said: “I am clear that the majority of the community does not want this development to go ahead.”

Jim Patterson, development director of Flamingo Land on Lomond Banks, said he expected the development to have many benefits as his company’s appeal “unlocks and comes to fruition”.

He said the final proposals for the site were adapted to “reflect ongoing community engagement over more than two years”.

Mr Paterson said the resort would add £3.9 million to the local economy.

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Scottish ministers always consider the views of communities on a range of issues.

“But it is the job of Scottish Enterprise to look after its contractual arrangements.”