Plans for a major Flamingo Land resort on the banks of Loch Lomond have been thrown out by the Scottish Government, drawing a line under a long‑running and highly contentious planning saga at Balloch. The Lomond Banks proposals from the Yorkshire‑based operator included two hotels, more than 100 lodges, a water park and a monorail within Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. Ministers overruled a planning reporter who had been minded to approve the scheme, finding it conflicted with the statutory aims of the national park. They cited uncertainty over the potential permanent loss of ancient woodland and concerns around flood risk, concluding these issues were not outweighed by the economic case for the development.
Lomond Banks branded the move “bad news for Scottish business and tourism” and insisted the project would have delivered a “transformational” boost for the area. Development director Jim Paterson said: “We are extremely disappointed by the Scottish Ministers’ decision to dismiss our appeal for Lomond Banks. This proposal represented a transformational investment in Balloch and the wider area, delivering significant employment, regeneration and long-term economic benefits to one of Scotland’s most disadvantaged communities.” He also criticised ministers for going against the reporter’s findings, arguing local people would “miss out on jobs, local supply chain opportunities and wider investment as a result”. Paterson added that Lomond Banks remained confident concerns over flooding and woodland could have been addressed “through detailed design, further technical assessment and appropriate mitigation” at a later stage, and said the company would now consider its options.
Scottish Greens co-leader Ross Greer, one of the most vocal political critics of the scheme, hailed the outcome as “a huge victory for the local community”. He said: “This mega resort would have had a devastating impact on the iconic local environment, the community and the local economy. My message to Flamingo Land today is simple; walk away. This community and the people of Scotland have told you time and again that your destructive plans are not welcome.”
The decision has been welcomed by Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority, which had unanimously rejected revised plans in 2024. Convener Heather Reid said the move “largely vindicates and aligns with key conclusions reached by both our Planning Officers’ recommendation and our Board in its unanimous refusal of this application” and “provides welcome clarity as to how National Planning Framework 4 policies on flooding, woodland protection and biodiversity should be applied”. She added: “This is a successful outcome that recognises the statutory aims of the National Park and supports the long-term vision for the National Park set out in our National Park Partnership Plan – a vision where people and nature not only coexist, but thrive together.
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“Our Planning Officers will now review the Ministers’ decision in full and consider all accompanying report details. There remains a six-week period during which the applicant or a third party may seek a legal challenge to the decision. Meanwhile, our long-term commitment to working with the local community in Balloch continues, ensuring their voices and priorities help shape future land use, including through the current preparation of its Local Place Plan and the Balloch Pierhead Improvement Action Plan.”
With a six-week window now open for any potential legal challenge, Flamingo Land must decide whether to pursue a court review, return with a substantially altered scheme or walk away from Balloch altogether. For many local residents and conservation groups, the ruling is being seen as a decisive moment in efforts to keep large-scale commercial development off one of Scotland’s most iconic loch shores.
