Plans by theme park operator Flamingo Land to build a resort at Loch Lomond in Scotland have been rejected by the Scottish government.
Named Lomond Banks, the planned £40 million resort initially sought permission to build a water park, two hotels, and over 100 lodges on the banks of Loch Lomond.
The proposals sparked opposition over flood risk, traffic, and impacts on local businesses, with over 174,000 signing a petition against the resort, organised by the Scottish Greens.
In 2024, the Loch Lomond park authority board rejected plans, ruling that the development did not comply with environmental and conservation policies, but Flamingo Land appealed the decision.
A reporter for the Scottish government's Planning and Environmental Appeals Division allowed the appeal, overturning the verdict, though that decision has now been reversed.
According to The Herald, Scottish Ministers reversed the decision on Tuesday, sharing a report stating that "significant concerns relating to flood risk and woodland loss" had been identified.
They added: "When taken together with the other development plan conflicts identified, the proposed development does not comply with the development plan overall."
The formal decision reads: "The material considerations do not outweigh the identified policy conflicts with the development plan in this instance.
"Accordingly, for the reasons given above, the Scottish Ministers hereby dismiss the appeal and refuse planning permission in principle for the proposed development."
Following the decision, Scottish Greens co-leader Ross Greer, an opponent of the development, shared a statement, calling it "a huge victory for the local community".
He added: "This mega resort would have had a devastating impact on the iconic local environment, the community and the local economy.
"Significant concerns relating to flood risk and woodland loss" identified
"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."
Sharing a statement, Heather Reid, convener of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority, said: "We very much welcome this decision, which largely vindicates and aligns with key conclusions reached by both our Planning Officers’ recommendation and our Board in its unanimous refusal of this application."
Meanwhile, Jim Paterson, development director for Lomond Banks, said he was “extremely disappointed" by the decision, calling it "bad news for Scottish business and tourism as a whole".
