Flamingo Land’s plans for a £40m resort beside Loch Lomond have already drawn nearly 300 objections.
There have also been 12 comments in support of the plans, which include 127 self-catering lodges, two hotels, a water park and a monorail.
But objectors include the Woodland Trust, the Loch Lomond Association and the Ramblers Association Scotland, as well as MSP Ross Greer.
Having dropped previous plans in 2019 after 60,000 objections were submitted, the theme park operator lodged new plans in May for its Lomond Banks tourist development at the same location.
Drumkinnon Woods appear to have been safeguarded in the revised plans, but the Woodland Trust says there would still lead to a ‘direct loss of ancient woodland’.
Its objection letter adds: “This development contravenes both national and local planning policy designed to protect ancient woodland and should be considered for refusal.”
The Loch Lomond Association said it had ‘serious concerns’ about the density of the development and its impact on local residents and services.
The inclusion of a monorail is described as ‘lip service’ to public transport, and the objection letter highlights ‘major traffic congestion’ in the area during summer months: “While development of the designated area of land would be welcomed, what is being proposed would add considerably to the traffic management problems already experienced in the surrounding area, especially the main A82 arterial route.”
Ramblers Scotland welcomed Flamingo Land’s decision to drop plans for lodges in Drumkinnon Woods, but have objected as they have ‘serious concerns’.
They state: “The various elements within this new application barely differ from the original application, with the exception of Drumkinnon woods no longer being developed.
“Indeed, the number of lodges and car parking spaces have actually increased from the original proposal.
“We are concerned that a development of this size will totally overwhelm the surrounding area and especially impact negatively on residents of Balloch.
“It will be difficult to create such a large development without adversely affecting the special qualities of the national park, including its natural and cultural heritage.”
Ross Greer, whose petition objecting to the previous proposals was signed by tens of thousands, has objected saying the plan is ‘an inappropriate scale and density for the sensitive location’.
“It would generate road traffic, putting extra pressure on local roads and doing nothing for CO2 emission reduction targets, destroy ancient woodland, restrict public access to open space and have a major impact on the world-famous natural landscape of Loch Lomond.
“And it is fundamentally at odds with the Local Development Plan for Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park 2017-2021 (“the LDP”), extending beyond the relevant allocations in the LDP and contradicting many of its policies, and there are no material considerations that justify departure from the LDP in this case.”
Jim Paterson, development director for Lomond Banks, said: “Having reviewed the feedback from Ramblers Scotland, we welcome their constructive comments relating to this application.
“Despite significant amends following extensive community consultation, including our commitment to retain the ancient woodland at Drumkinnon Wood, we are of course disappointed that their position remains opposed to the development.
“We believe, however, there are opportunities to alleviate many of their concerns as the planning journey progresses, particularly if we are provided with the opportunity to take forward detailed proposals.
“The accommodation numbers we have put forward can exist sympathetically to the special qualities of the national park including its natural and cultural heritage, specifically relating to Woodbank House, where we are looking to protect this iconic Balloch landmark and give it new life.
“We are working with Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerce to ensure local business and local supply chain opportunities are actively encouraged.
“Keeping the area accessible to all is at the heart of our plans which stretch from Station Square in Balloch to Drumkinnon Bay at the water’s edge and along to Woodbank House. We recognise the importance of access points to both the existing John Muir Way and National Cycle Network and would look to enhance this as a key benefit for locals and visitors alike.”
Full details of the plans are available on the national park’s website – the reference number is 2022/0157/PPP .
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