Plans for a £30m development on the shores of Loch Lomond have been unanimously opposed by West Dunbartonshire councillors.
The decision came despite officers suggesting a response that says the Flamingo Land resort would be a "real boost" to the local economy.
It came a matter of days after over 250 people packed Alexandria Parish Church in a two-hour meeting to discuss the project, renamed Lomond Banks which is being considered by the Loch Lomond and the National Park Authority.
It was suggested at the meeting that a campaign of civil disobedience was an option in a bid to prevent it from going ahead.
READ MORE: Flamingo Land Loch Lomond: Campaigners threaten campaign of civil disobedience
There was also support to launch a crowd-funding campaign to raise £100,000 for a judical review to try and block the plans.
Objections raised include the impact on ancient woodland and wildlife in the area, traffic congestion and competition with local businesses. There was also concern about public land owned by Scottish Enterprise being sold for £200,000 to allow the scheme to go-ahead.
The renamed Lomond Banks project, a joint venture between Scottish Enterprise and Yorkshire-based Flamingo Land features a water park, 60-bedroom apart-hotel, a craft brewery, boat house, leisure centre and restaurants.
The council confirmed that it will now be submitting an objection to the consultation over the project.
Jonathan McColl, leader of the West Dunbartonshire Council, has said: “This is a planning application on a site of both great local and national importance and that is reflected in the more than 55,000 objections that have been received.
READ MORE: Ross Greer: Flamingo Land - the most unpopular plan in Scottish history
"I hope ministers will call in this major application, but whether it’s decided upon in Edinburgh by the Scottish Government or in Balloch by the National Park Board, it’s vital that the very serious concerns raised by the council are taken seriously and this development is halted. We can and we must do better for the people of Balloch and the visitors who come here.”
Scottish Greens MSP Ross Greer, who launched a protest petition signed by over 56,300 people said of the councillors vote: “This is a huge moment for our campaign. I’m delighted that West Dunbartonshire Council has, despite the apparent recommendations of officials, listened to the overwhelming opinion of local residents and others across Scotland who value our national park and want to see these plans rejected.
“Flamingo Land is the most unpopular planning application in Scottish history.
"It would see public land in our national park sold off to a private developer, whose profits will disappear out of the community and whose own environmental impact assessment conceded major damage, including injury and death to red squirrels and otters, pollution of running and standing water and damage to ancient woodland.
“With opposition growing to such unprecedented levels and now including the local council, as well as groups like the Ramblers and Woodland Trust, it’s clear that the National Park should reject the plans and protect this public land.”
Campaign group Save Loch Lomond also welcomed the vote, saying: “Although West Dunbartonshire Council are only a major consultee in this process and the role of planning authority lies with Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority (LLTNPA), this has restored our faith in local democracy and we hope that Save Loch Lomond with the backing of West Dunbartonshire Council can go on to convince the LLTNPA to also oppose this planning application.”
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