The future of a major tourist attraction on the banks of Loch Lomond is in doubt after the Scottish Government decided to re-examine the proposals.
Public finance minister Ivan McKee has said the government will recall the plans for the Flamingo Land resort, saying it raises issues of national significance due to its impact on the national park area.
It comes weeks after the Scottish Government planning reporter upheld an appeal from the theme park operator but added 49 conditions to the application.
McKee previously said that the government backed the “impartial, expert opinion that was based on evidence”.
Under the £43.5 million proposals, Lomond Banks would see two hotels, more than 100 lodges, a waterpark and monorail built on the site at Balloch, West Dunbartonshire.
However, the decision has incensed environmental and conservation campaigners, who have long opposed the development and say it will lead to the “irreversible” loss of woodland.
The Scottish Greens say more than 50,000 people have used a portal on their website to write to McKee.
Planning permission in principle was granted by the government, overturning the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park’s decision to reject the proposals.
Over 150,000 people objected to the development through a petition launched by the Scottish Greens.
The final outcome will be now be decided by Scottish ministers.
Scottish Greens MSP Ross Greer said: “This is the right move by ministers and a huge victory for the fifty thousand people who joined the Scottish Greens’ campaign for the decision to be recalled. I am glad that Ivan McKee has decided to do the right thing and use his power to intervene to protect Loch Lomond from destruction.
“The evidence of the damage it would do to one of Scotland’s most iconic locations is overwhelming. Once ministers consider the flood risk, loss of ancient woodland, hundreds of additional cars which would be brought onto notoriously congested roads and the litany of other devastating impacts it would have, I am sure they will reject the mega-resort application and finally end this decade-long saga.
“People across Scotland expect their Government to protect our natural heritage.
“Given previous mistakes, including the approval of Donald Trump’s golf course despite local objections and serious environmental concerns, this is an opportunity for Ministers to show that they have learned and will now put people and planet ahead of greedy developers.”
Scottish Labour MSP Jackie Baillie added: “This is a welcome u-turn by the SNP, though it shouldn’t have taken the fear of a defeat in Parliament to force them to reach this decision.
“The SNP has ignored concerns time and time again – from politicians across the chamber and from local campaigners.
“It is not right that a single Reporter was allowed to overrule the National Park Authority’s unanimous decision to reject the bid of the Flamingo Land resort.
“This decision requires proper democratic oversight and I am pleased Ministers have finally accepted our calls and agreed to step in.”
Dr Heather Reid, convener of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority Board, said: “We confirm that this morning (June 11) the National Park Authority received notice of a Direction by Ministers that the Appeal will now be determined by the Scottish Ministers, following a statement issued yesterday evening by the Minister for Public Finance, Ivan McKee MSP.
“We stand firmly by the reasons for the Board’s unanimous decision to refuse the Lomond Banks planning application in September last year and our Officers’ submissions made in respect of the appeal process to date.
“We now await further clarification from Scottish ministers on the next steps, and when known, will fully engage with the process in line with our statutory responsibilities as a Planning Authority.”
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