Recall of Flamingo Land resort plans 'a disaster', say campaigners
Campaigners say the decision to re-examine the proposals for a Flamingo Land resort on Loch Lomond are 'tragic' and a 'disaster'.
The future of the major tourist attraction on the banks of the loch is in doubt after the Scottish Government decided to recall the plans.
It comes weeks after the Government's planning reporter upheld an appeal from the theme park operator but added 49 conditions to the application.
Public finance minister Ivan McKee said on Tuesday that the application raises issues of national significance due to its impact on the national park area.
McKee previously said that the Government backed the 'impartial, expert opinion that was based on evidence' which led to planning permission in principle being granted – overturning the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park's decision to reject the proposals.
The final outcome will be now be decided by Scottish ministers.
John Urquhart, chair of conservation group the Friends of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, said the U-turn is a 'potentially tragic' and a 'disaster'.
'The development offers so much in terms of economic development, but also in conservation terms', he told STV News.
'Not many people seem to understand that because they've been fed a lot of nonsense by individuals like Ross Greer, who's an expert in manipulating social media. Putting out stories that there's going to be a theme park here.
'It's going to destroy Loch Lomond? Rubbish. It's actually going to bring lots of benefits.' STV News John Urquhart, chair of conservation group the Friends of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs.
Under the £43.5m proposals, Lomond Banks would see two hotels, more than 100 lodges, a waterpark and monorail built on the site at Balloch, West Dunbartonshire.
However, concerns have been raised by 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.
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.'
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