New Flamingo Land theme park planned for UK beauty spot - but locals aren't happy

Plans to build a new theme park resort in Scotland have taken another hit, following years of opposition from politicians, environmental groups and local communities.

An emergency public meeting has been set up to discuss the controversial development of Flamingo Land on the banks of Loch Lomond.

The £40 million proposal includes hotels, over 100 holiday lodges, a waterpark, restaurants, and even a monorail.

It's the latest version of plans that were first put forward back in 2018 - but scrapped a year later after public backlash.

Flamingo Land later came back with an updated proposal in 2020, promising a resort that would be a 'major step away' from its existing Yorkshire theme park and zoo.

But despite those changes, the project has continued to face resistance from both locals, MPs and conservation groups.

The development site is in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, an area known for its stunning scenery, ancient oak woodlands and rare wildlife, such as red deer.

Earlier this year, the Scottish Government gave the project the green light, overturning a decision by the national park authority which had rejected the plans on environmental grounds.

The decision sparked outrage, especially from Scottish Greens MSP Ross Greer, who called the approval an 'anti-democratic outrage' and said the plans would cause 'irreversible damage.'

He also pointed out that the project had been opposed by several key organisations, including the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, the National Trust for Scotland, and over 155,000 people who signed the Save Loch Lomond campaign.

As reported by the Sun, he added: 'We are urgently considering our options for continuing this fight. I will leave no stone unturned in the campaign to save Loch Lomond.'

Concerns from the park authority have also been raised about the 'unacceptable' risk of flooding from the nearby River Leven.

A recent report added 49 conditions to the approval, and while it said the site could operate safely, many have yet to be convinced.

Local groups such as Balloch and Haldane Community council say they're 'deeply disappointed' in the government's decision and claim it goes against what the community wants.

Supporters of the plan argue it could bring jobs and boost tourism in the area, but with public pressure continues to grow, as a petition opposing the project amasses a whopping 174,000 signatures.

A public meeting has now been set for 30 May to discuss the future of the park.

Meanwhile, Paultons Park, which sits on 65 acres on the New Forest's edge in Hampshire, will open a brand new £12million themed world, Valgard - Realm of the Vikings, in 2026.

The park, already a hit with younger children thanks to Peppa Pig World, recently cut the ribbon on its latest attraction, Ghostly Manor - a £3.5 million ghoulish interactive gameplay ride.

The developments will see it likely rival some of the nation's biggest theme parks - including Alton Towers, Chessington World of Adventures and Thorpe Park - for visitors next summer.

Viking-themed Valgard is Paultons' biggest investment in a new themed area to date and is aimed at teens and older children.