Call for Flamingo Land's exclusivity deal to be scrapped after Loch Lomond resort plan fails
dailyrecord.co.ukA deal to give Flamingo Land exclusive rights to the site at the centre of failed plans for a £40million holiday resort should be torn up, according to MSP Jackie Baillie.
The Dumbarton politician has called on Scottish Enterprise to end their exclusivity deal with the developer after their controversial proposal to build a tourism development in Balloch was thrown out by Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.
Board members unanimously rejected the bid following a six-hour public meeting at Loch Lomond Parish Church on Monday. It came after National Park planning officers recommended the board refuse the planning application citing concerns over flooding and the impact on the natural environment.The resort, named Lomond Banks, had pleged 104 woodland lodges, two hotels, a waterpark, monorail, 372 car parking spaces, shops and more built on the bonnie banks.But fears over flooding, scale and and the destruction of woodland proved to be one of the main factors in its rejection.Jackie Baillie says Scottish Enterprise should now go back to the drawing board and engage with the community to find a new use for the land.She said: “I am pleased that Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park Authority’s board took the decision that it did.“It is clear that Flamingo Land’s Lomond Banks plan does not make the grade.“I have had numerous discussions about this development with members of the local community, residents, groups and businesses.“It is clear that this development has divided the community and there are legitimate concerns which the National Park has recognised.“It is now time for Scottish Enterprise, who own the land concerned, to move away from their exclusivity agreement with Flamingo Land and return to dialogue
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