ShareSaveShareSaveLomond BanksThe Flamingo Land proposal dated back to 2018Controversial plans to build a £40m holiday park on the banks of Loch Lomond have been rejected by the Scottish government.
The decision comes after years of often bitter debate between theme park operator Flamingo Land and people living in the area who campaigned against the plan to build a waterpark, monorail, hotel and restaurants.
The Scottish government said its decision was due to "flood risk, woodland loss and wider policy conflicts".
Loch Lomond and the Trossachs Park Authority initially rejected the plan in September 2024, only for the Scottish government to overturn that decision after an appeal. However, it then recalled the plans due to the impact on the local area.
The decision to reject the plans goes against the recommendation of the government's own reporter, who said it should be approved.
Ministers said that although they accepted his findings, they reached a different conclusion regarding the possible risks in the development, particularly regarding flooding and the loss of historic woodland in the area.
The report says it was "a finely balanced decision" and that allowing the resort would bring economic benefits to the area.
However, it says the "significant concerns relating to flood risk and woodland loss are of such importance that, when taken together with the other development plan conflicts identified, the proposed development does not comply with the development plan overall".
The other conflicts raised in the report include ministers believing that the plan would clash with the "ongoing aim of conserving and enhancing the natural and cultural heritage of the area".
Scottish Greens co-leader Ross Greer, a vocal opponent of the development, called the decision "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.
"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."
