More than 700 people have objected to Flamingo World’s plans for a major development beside Loch Lomond.
SEPA has objected, saying more information is needed on flood risks, while other opponents include The Woodland Trust and the leader of West Dunbartonshire Council.
So far there have been 765 objections to the plans, which include holiday lodges, a hotel, monorail, water park, brewery and parking.
Only 15 comments in support have been received by Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park – but the local community council has cautiously backed the project in principle.
A document produced by Balloch and Haldane Community Council stresses that the current plans are only in principle and that further comments may be made when more details are available.
But it states: “The economic benefits of such a major development should not be ignored by the community in Balloch and the Vale of Leven.
“B&HCC have found it difficult to give this application a balanced view, due to the negative comments started on social media some 18 months ago.
“B&HCC have taken into account the objections from local people, and the considerable amount from people who do not live in our area.
“We have taken on board what they are saying, but most of what is stated is based on misinformation with unsubstantiated comments, and most of what is stated having no policy weight in planning decisions.”
SEPA says it will not remove its objection until it has clarification on issues including flood plan modelling and flood relief modelling.
And the Woodland Trust says there would be potential damage and detrimental impact to three areas of long-established woodland recorded on Scottish Natural Heritage’s Ancient Woodland Inventory.
West Dunbartonshire Council’s environmental health department has said a noise impact assessment is needed, while council leader Jonathan McColl the application would overdevelop the site.
“This scenic location is well used by local people and tourists, as such the number of lodges, the inclusion of a monorail, water park, tree top walk, woodland rides and the size of the hotel, will cause an unacceptable loss of amenity and detract from the natural beauty that draws people to the area,” he added.
Flamingo Land and Scottish Enterprise jointly submitted the application, saying it would create ‘a vibrant and sustainable visitor destination with a distinctive character derived from its stunning setting’.
Full details are on the national park’s website – the reference number is 2018/0133/PPP
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