Proposals by theme park operator Flamingo Land to build a resort on the banks of Loch Lomond in Scotland are set to be approved by the Scottish government.
The plans for a £40 million resort called Lomond Banks were rejected by the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park authority board in September, but this decision was appealed by Flamingo Land.
Now, the Scottish government’s Planning and Environmental Appeals Division has shared a report suggesting the reporter in charge of the case is likely to allow the appeal, via The Herald.
Jim Paterson, development director for Lomond Banks, said: “This is a real milestone moment for the Lomond Banks vision, and has been a long time in the making.
“Our proposals have been informed by more than two years of positive engagement with the local community and key stakeholders.”
He added, “At the heart of our plans is a commitment to sustainable investment, local jobs, and a long-term partnership with the area, backed by our legally binding Lomond Promise to ensure the future prosperity of Balloch and beyond.”
Lomond Banks development appeal
Heather Reid, convener of the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park authority board, said: “We acknowledge the notification from the Scottish government reporter that he is minded to allow the appeal and grant planning permission in principle for the Lomond Banks tourism development in Balloch.
“We stand by the reasons for the board’s unanimous decision to refuse this planning application and it is deeply disappointing that the reporter has taken a different view.”
The controversial development has faced opposition over issues like flood risk, increased traffic, and the impact on local businesses. More than 174,000 signed a petition against it.
The Loch Lomond park authority ruled that the development did not comply with environmental and conservation policies.
Scottish Green MSP Ross Greer said: “I cannot believe that Flamingo Land’s destructive and immensely unpopular mega-resort is being given the go-ahead by government officials.
“It was the most unpopular planning application in Scottish history and will cause irreversible damage to the world-famous local environment at Loch Lomond.
“Their destructive plans were unanimously rejected by the national park’s board, opposed by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, the National Trust for Scotland, the Woodland Trust, the park’s expert planning officers, and 155,000 people who joined our Save Loch Lomond campaign.”
Planning permission will only be granted if an agreement is reached between the developer and the national park.
Images courtesy of Lomond Banks
