Latest news with #CommunityEmpowermentAct
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Campaigners welcome decision to call in Flamingo Land's controversial Loch Lomond plans after government U-turn
The Scottish Government has called in plans for a major development on the banks of Loch Lomond. Campaigners have welcomed a decision by the Scottish Government to call in Flamingo Land's controversial plans for a £43.5million resort on the banks of Loch Lomond. Yorkshire-based theme park operator Flamingo Land, through its subsidiary Lomond Banks, had proposed to construct two hotels, over 100 lodges, a waterpark and monorail at Balloch. After a long-running battle, initial proposals were shelved in 2019 due to significant local opposition and concerns from bodies such as the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA), the Woodland Trust and the National Trust for Scotland. Subsequent revised plans were unanimously turned down by the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park authority - however, an appeal by Lomond Banks was upheld by a Scottish Government reporter, who imposed 49 conditions on the developer and required them to reach an agreement with the authority before commencing construction. Despite pressure from MSPs, Public Finance Minister Ivan McKee had previously declined to step in regarding the decision to proceed with the plans. But in a statement released on Tuesday evening, he confirmed that the government would now recall the plans. "I have decided to recall the Lomond Banks appeal as the proposed development raises issues of national significance in view of its potential impact on Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park," the minister said. "This means that the appeal should be determined at a national level." Mr McKee had previously mentioned that "technical planning issues" were involved in the application, stating it was right for "objective planning judgment" to be used, hence the Government would not intervene. Following his remarks, a campaign spearheaded by the Scottish Greens saw over 50,000 individuals petitioning him to reconsider. Loch Lomond South Community Development Trust (LLSCDT) welcomed the decision and said it is actively working to shape and promote a "positive, community-ledalternative vision for the area—one that supports sustainable tourism, protects theenvironment, and truly benefits the people who live, work, and visit Loch Lomond". LLSCDT chairwoman, Lynne Somerville said: 'The people who live here must have a real say in the future of this place—not as an afterthought, but as equal partners. "The overwhelming response from the community shows not only opposition to inappropriate development, but also a clear appetite for something better—something rooted in fairness, sustainability, and local benefit. "Under the 2015 Community Empowerment Act, communities like ours are legally entitled to be heard and treated with respect in decisions that affect our land and future. It's time that legislation was meaningfully upheld.' The announcement arrived just a day before Scottish Labour planned to initiate a debate urging Government intervention, with Dumbarton MSP and the party's deputy leader Jackie Baillie suggesting ministers were apprehensive about a potential defeat. "The SNP face a motion tomorrow from Scottish Labour demanding that the application is recalled," she commented. "Thanks to cross party support for our motion, the SNP has U-turned before it was defeated in the chamber." In her statement, Ms Baillie remarked: "This is a welcome U-turn by the SNP, though it shouldn't have taken the fear of a defeat in Parliament to force them to reach this decision. "The SNP has ignored concerns time and time again – from politicians across the chamber and from local campaigners. "It is not right that a single reporter was allowed to overrule the National Park Authority's unanimous decision to reject the bid of the Flamingo Land resort. "This decision requires proper democratic oversight and I'm pleased ministers have finally accepted our calls and agreed to step in." Reacting to the announcement, Scottish Green MSP Ross Greer commended the decision, saying it was the "right move". "The evidence of the damage it would do to one of Scotland's most iconic locations is overwhelming," he added. "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."
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Community considers takeover of 123-year-old jail
A community group is considering a possible takeover of one of Scotland's oldest prisons. HMP Inverness was opened more than 120 years ago in the Crown area of Inverness city centre. It is to be replaced by HMP Highland, which is being built at a cost of £209m on a site near Inverness Campus on the east side of the city. Crown Connects is exploring a potential community asset transfer, a Scottish government-backed process that allows community groups to request ownership or lease of property or land. More stories from the Highlands and Islands News from the Highlands and Islands on BBC Sounds Rebecca Robertson, of Crown Connects, said green spaces and a community hub could be created at the prison. The Crown area has a population of about 4,300 people. Ms Robertson told BBC Naidheachdan: "This is one of the few places in Inverness that doesn't have a community centre. "This is an opportunity for us to address that and have a space where the community can come to relax, meet each other and play sports." The Scottish Prison Service (SPS) said HMP Highland, due to be completed in 2026, would allow it to better serve local communities. The jail will have capacity for 200 prisoners. A SPS spokesperson said: "Once it is operational, the disposal of HMP Inverness will be managed in line with the principles set out in the Scottish Public Finance Manual guidance and Community Empowerment Act." HMP Inverness was opened in 1902. It was designed to have capacity for 103 prisoners, but SPS said the average population was 117. Over the years, concerns have been raised about overcrowding. The prison is surrounded by high red sandstone boundary wall and parts of the site have a designation recognising their historical and architectural importance. The chapel, A hall - including its former laundry and kitchen, B hall and parts of the boundary wall were listed at category B by Historic Environment Scotland in 2017. Weaving a new future for historic Fort George? Charity closer to buying government bull stud land Crown Connects SPS
BBC News
07-03-2025
- General
- BBC News
Inverness community considers takeover of 123-year-old prison
A community group is considering a possible takeover of one of Scotland's oldest Inverness was opened more than 120 years ago in the Crown area of Inverness city is to be replaced by HMP Highland, which is being built at a cost of £209m on a site near Inverness Campus on the east side of the Connects is exploring a potential community asset transfer, a Scottish government-backed process that allows community groups to request ownership or lease of property or land. Rebecca Robertson, of Crown Connects, said green spaces and a community hub could be created at the Crown area has a population of about 4,300 Robertson told BBC Naidheachdan: "This is one of the few places in Inverness that doesn't have a community centre."This is an opportunity for us to address that and have a space where the community can come to relax, meet each other and play sports."The Scottish Prison Service (SPS) said HMP Highland, due to be completed in 2026, would allow it to better serve local jail will have capacity for 200 prisoners.A SPS spokesperson said: "Once it is operational, the disposal of HMP Inverness will be managed in line with the principles set out in the Scottish Public Finance Manual guidance and Community Empowerment Act." HMP Inverness was opened in was designed to have capacity for 103 prisoners, but SPS said the average population was 117. Over the years, concerns have been raised about prison is surrounded by high red sandstone boundary wall and parts of the site have a designation recognising their historical and architectural chapel, A hall - including its former laundry and kitchen, B hall and parts of the boundary wall were listed at category B by Historic Environment Scotland in 2017.
Yahoo
02-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Group worried over the future of facility celebrate
A group who have had a huge question mark hanging over the future of a facility they have championed for the past five years are celebrating victory. And Stephanie Callaghan, SNP MSP for Uddingston and Bellshill, a long-time supporter of the Viewpark Gardens Trust, has warmly welcomed their remarkable achievement in securing a five-year lease for Viewpark Gardens. The Viewpark community was devastated when North Lanarkshire Council announced the closure of the much-loved gardens in 2019 due to financial constraints. The gardens, which had long been a treasured venue for the annual flower festival, weddings, and community events, as well as a sanctuary for orchids and rare plant species, faced an uncertain future. The trust's board have fought a long and determined battle since launching the 'Save Viewpark Gardens' campaign in 2019. Their initial community asset transfer application was rejected by North Lanarkshire Council, which had valued the site at £1.5 million and planned to sell it to a developer. However, by exercising rights under the Community Empowerment Act, the trust secured a landmark Scottish Government decision overturning the council's rejection—paving the way for community ownership. By securing this lease, the trust has not only protected Viewpark Gardens' future for generations to come, but also avoided a lengthy public court hearing with the Scottish Government—marking a significant victory for community-led activism. The delighted MSP praised the campaigners and said 'This is an outstanding achievement by a small group of fearless campaigners – an inspiring example of community activism and wouldn't have happened without totally Herculean efforts from them all. 'Despite the dereliction of the Viewpark Gardens and loss of rare, irreplaceable plant life, the trust has pushed through and worked tirelessly to get to this point. 'The trust has paved the way for other groups in their use of the Community Empowerment Act. 'This has proven that the legislation allows local groups and charities to take on derelict or unused community assets and restore them, securing them for future generations and creating stronger neighbourhoods. 'North Lanarkshire Council's decision in 2019 to close the Viewpark Gardens was met with opposition from the people of Viewpark and I am therefore delighted that the local community united and withstood countless hurdles to ensure a successful outcome for this beautiful space. 'I have no doubt that the future is bright for the people of Viewpark as the Trust works to restore the gardens, once home to the annual flower festival, to their former glory. 'I am sure that in years to come, the local community will benefit greatly from the trust's efforts. As someone who has followed the trust's journey from the start, and understands the level of incredibly detailed and painstaking work it takes to get to this point, I couldn't be more thrilled and proud of their success. 'Having been in touch with the trust directly to congratulate them on their monumental success in negotiating and securing their five-year lease, I look forward to keeping up to date with their progress and seeing volunteers come together to bring the gardens back to life.' Jubilant members of Viewpark Gardens Trust have welcomed the hugely exciting news. They said in a statement: 'We are delighted that after five long years we have been able to negotiate an appropriate lease with North Lanarkshire Council. 'We could never have done this without the support of the people of Viewpark pushing us forward. Agreeing the lease means we no longer need to attend the public hearing that was scheduled and we can move ahead with our plans to restore the beautiful Viewpark Gardens. 'We were devastated at the loss of plant life and deterioration of the gardens since NLC made their decision to close them. 'As the site is now derelict, we will have a lot of work moving forwards to restore the much-loved community gardens. We are looking forward to being able to welcome volunteers in the near future. 'As a group, we are so grateful to everyone involved who has helped, advised and supported our efforts.'
