Charity demands meeting with minister after Loch Lomond resort decision

A conservation charity is demanding to meet a Scottish Government minister following a controversial planning decision on the banks of Loch Lomond.

The Woodland Trust strongly objects to last week’s decision to grant planning permission in principle to the Flamingo Land development near Balloch.

Last week, a Scottish Government reporter upheld an appeal from the Yorkshire-based theme park developer, centred on a £43.5 million development which includes hotels, lodges, a water park and a monorail system.

Environmental charities and campaigners have been fighting the plans for years and were dismayed by the decision.

Woodland Trust Scotland director Alistair Seaman has now written to Public Finance Minister Ivan McKee – who has responsibility for planning – to request an urgent meeting.

However, Mr McKee is unlikely to comment publicly as the planning process is ongoing.

Mr Seaman’s letter said: “The boat house element of the proposals would result in permanent and irreversible loss of woodland that cannot be compensated for through new planting – a point we made strongly at the public hearing. Ancient woodland is irreplaceable.

“Significant new development like this will expose the woodlands and their wildlife to indirect impacts that will both immediately, and gradually, degrade the ecosystem.

“These woods are sensitive sites that are vulnerable to change and the wildlife species that rely on them are often slow to adapt to change.”

Mr Seaman’s letter said it is “quite incredible” the planning reporter’s decision disagreed with the Loch Lomond national park’s authority, who rejected the proposals last year.

He continued: “Allowing this development on appeal would make a mockery of Scotland’s National Parks and of NPF4 (planning framework) policy six protections for ancient woodland – indeed for all woodland, something which, thanks to the bold actions of the Scottish Government in drafting NPF4, has allowed Scotland to lead the way in protecting woodland.”

The Scottish Government has been approached for comment.