I cherish our nature environment, insists Swinney after Flamingo Land decision

John Swinney has insisted he will always “cherish” Scotland’s natural environment, as he was pressed on the recent decision on the Flamingo Land development on the shores of Loch Lomond.

Earlier this month, the Government’s reporter granted an appeal and approved planning permission in principle to the Lomond Banks development, but put 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, some of whom gathered outside the Scottish Parliament on Thursday.

Scottish Green co-leader Patrick Harvie raised the issue during First Minister’s Questions, saying it is “the most unpopular development in the history of the Scottish planning system”.

He said that despite ministers’ refusal to call-in the planning decision, the situation is not yet “set in stone”.

The First Minister said he could not comment on detail as the planning process is still live.

Mr Swinney said: “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.”

Mr Harvie said the SNP leader was failing to acknowledge the “scale of anger about this issue”, with 44,000 people writing to the minister.

He pointed out that Donald Trump’s golf course in Aberdeenshire was approved when Mr Swinney was in government previously.

Mr Swinney responded: “I’m absolutely committed to the protection of the natural environment of Scotland.

“In all the decisions I would take, and the steps I would take, I value and cherish the natural environment of Scotland.”

He said the Government’s reporter must come to a decision based on the merits of the case and noting the 49 planning conditions, adding: “These issues have to be the subject of further discussion and that’s the proper exercise of the planning function, which I am obliged by law to ensure is the case.”