Objections to resort ‘set record’

● Flamingoland draws more than 54,000 objections

Plans for a £30 million tourist development on the shores of Loch Lomond have attracted a record number of objections, an MSP has claimed.

More than 54,000 people have lodged their opposition to the proposed resort in B al loch through the website of Green MSP Ross Greer.

Mr Greer said :“Flamingo land Loch Lo mon dis now the most unpopular planning application in Scottish history.”

More than 54,000 objections against a proposed £30 million tourist development on the shores of Loch Lomond have been handed to planners.

Plans for the Lomond Banks resort in B al loch include a 60- bedroom apart hotel, 32- bedroom budget accommodation, a craft brewery, boat house, leisure centre and restaurants, as well as improvements to public footpaths and green spaces.

Green MSP Ross Greer visited the village on the loch’s southern shore along with locals to hand over objections, fulfilling a pledge to gather more than 50,000 by enabling people to object via his web - site. By yesterday afternoon, more than 54,500 people had lodged their opposition via his site.

He claims the number sets a record for any Scottish planning application and called for the planning authority, Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, to reject planning permission for the Flamingo Land Limited and Scottish Enterprise application.

Mr Greer said :“Flamingo land Loch Lomond is now the most unpopular planning application in Scottish history and when you look at their proposals, it’s no surprise why.

“Local residents have been joined by people from across Scotland in saying that Loch Lomond’s world famous natural beauty should be protected, not sold off for the profit margins of a private developer.

“Time and time again, it’s only the Greens standing with communities when they fight to protect Scotland’s environment against corporate takeover and destruction.

“Our campaign to save Loch Lomond will continue until the National Park reject these plans and this threat is ended once and for all.”

Lomond Banks director Andy Miller has previously said there sort, on land currently marked for tourism development in the local plan, will be a “quality destination that respect sand compliments the surrounding area”.

Proposals for a major development and the sale of publicly owned land within the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park were initially lodged in May 2018.

Following the submission of more than 30,000 objections, the developer delayed its response to the National Park’s request for changes and further details.

It is estimated the develop - ment would create 80 fulltime jobs, 50 par t-time jobs and 70 seasonal roles in the area.