Flamingo Land Loch Lomond mega resort gets SNP approval as critics blast proposals
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The SNP Government has been accused of an "anti-democratic outrage" after plans were approved for Flamingo Land's controversial proposals for a mega resort on the banks of Loch Lomond.
A Yorkshire-based theme park operator had their planning permission in principle rejected last year by the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Planning Authority, reports The Daily Record.
A report released by the Scottish Government's Planning and Environmental Appeals Division (DPEA) has given notice that the reporter in charge of the case is minded to allow their appeal.
Supporters say the £40m 'Lomond Banks' proposals could create more than 100 holiday lodges, two hotels, a waterpark, a monorail, 372 car parking spaces and shops.
But critics say the project will cause irreversible damage to the local environment.
Green MSP Ross Greer said: 'This is an anti-democratic outrage. I cannot believe that Flamingo Land's destructive and immensely unpopular mega-resort is being given the go-ahead by Government officials. It was the most unpopular planning application in Scottish history and will cause irreversible damage to the world-famous local environment at Loch Lomond.
'Their destructive plans were unanimously rejected by the National Park's board, opposed by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, the National Trust for Scotland, the Woodland Trust, the Park's expert planning officers and 155,000 people who joined our Save Loch Lomond campaign.
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'This greedy developer would not take no for an answer and I am shocked that Government officials have put Flamingo Land's interests above the need to protect Loch Lomond.
'We are urgently considering our options for continuing this fight. I will leave no stone unturned in the campaign to save Loch Lomond.'
Jim Paterson, Development Director for Lomond Banks, said: 'This is a real milestone moment for the Lomond Banks vision, and has been a long time in the making.
'Our proposals have been informed by more than two years of positive engagement with the local community and key stakeholders. At the heart of our plans is a commitment to sustainable investment, local jobs, and a long-term partnership with the area, backed by our legally binding Lomond Promise to ensure the future prosperity of Balloch and beyond.
'We are delighted by the decision made by the Scottish Government reporter today. As we look beyond today's decision, we remain committed to being a strong and valued contributor to the local economy, and we look forward to progressing with our proposals as we now consider detailed planning.'
Over 400 reasons were provided for why the reporter is minded to grant the appeal.
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