More than 50,000 write to minister to oppose Flamingo Land plans

More than 50,000 people have written to the Scottish Government calling for the approval of the controversial Flamingo Land development on the shores of Loch Lomond to be removed, the Greens have said.

Green MSP Ross Greer said planning minister Ivan McKee must “listen to the Scottish public” on the Lomond Banks proposals.

However, ministers have so far refused requests for the plans to be “called in”.

Last month, the Government’s reporter granted an appeal and approved planning permission in principle to the Lomond Banks development, but placed 49 conditions on the application.

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 Mr McKee.

Mr Greer said: “I have campaigned side by side with local residents in Balloch for nearly 10 years now to stop Flamingo Land. At every stage we have won on the basis of the overwhelming evidence against their plans, but that has all now been overturned by the Scottish Government.

“I do not understand why the Scottish Government are determined to cosy up to greedy theme park operators rather than protect Scotland’s world famous natural heritage.

“It’s time for government ministers to actually listen to the people of Scotland and save Loch Lomond.”

Last week John Swinney said he will always “cherish” Scotland’s natural environment as he was pressed on the issue at First Minister’s Questions.

The First Minister said he could not comment directly as the planning process is still live, telling MSPs: “The reporter is required to make his decision on the planning merits of the case and to take full account of all submission of all parties involved in the case, including representatives of the local community.”

A Scottish Government spokesman said on Friday: “An independent reporter has issued a decision intimating that he is minded to grant planning permission in principle for the proposal subject to 49 planning conditions subject to a legal agreement being reached between the national park authority and developer to secure the employment and environment issues that are set out in the Lomond Promise.

“As the appeal remains live, it would not be appropriate to comment further on the merits of the proposed development.”