THE people of Scotland have sent a “loud and clear” message that mega-resort Flamingo Land is not welcome at Loch Lomond, campaigners said today after more than 150,000 people objected.
The record number of planning complaints against the “damaging and destructive” plan to build in Scotland used a campaign portal set up by the Scottish Greens.
The Yorkshire-based theme park operator’s proposal would cram 104 woodland lodges, two hotels, a waterpark, a monorail, 372 car parking spaces, shops and more onto the banks of Loch Lomond at Balloch.
The number of objections put forward makes it the most unpopular planning application in Scotland’s history, more than doubling the previous record held by Flamingo Land’s failed first attempt, opposed by nearly 60,000 people.
Groups including the National Trust for Scotland, Woodland Trust and Ramblers Scotland as well as the local community council have also opposed the proposals.
Scottish Green MSP Ross Greer, who is leading the campaign, said: “The message from the local community and from across Scotland is loud and clear, Flamingo Land is not welcome at Loch Lomond.
“150,000 is a monumental number of objections for a planning application, which tells you all you need to know about just how destructive and unwelcome these mega-resort plans are.
“It would be a disaster for Balloch and for Loch Lomond. It would destroy the gateway to one of Scotland’s most iconic landscapes and have a devastating impact on local wildlife and nature, never mind the threat to local businesses and grief for residents.”
Mr Greer called the plans a “saga [that] has lasted for almost a decade,” adding that the community is “simply exhausted.”
“They want Flamingo Land gone for good,” he said.
“I am grateful to everyone who has taken the time to lodge their objection and make the scale of opposition known.
“The more people learn about Flamingo Land’s daft plans, the more determined they are to stop them.
“Early on in this process they promised to walk away if they didn’t win public support. We passed that point long ago.
“If they have any shame, Flamingo Land will drop this appalling application and leave Loch Lomond alone.”
Flamingo Land was approached for comment.
