MSP pledges to deliver 50,000 objections to Loch Lomond development

26 April 2019, 07:21

A Scottish Green MSP has pledged to set a new record by delivering more than 50,000 objections to a tourist development application near Loch Lomond.

The £30 million proposals include a 60-bedroom aparthotel, 32-bedroom budget accommodation, a craft brewery, boat house, leisure centre and restaurants, as well as upgrades to public footpaths and green spaces.

Named Lomond Banks, the site would be developed in part of Balloch, which is currently marked for tourism development in the local plan.

Ross Greer responded to the relaunch of plans for the development on the banks of Loch Lomond by pledging to deliver at least 50,000 objections.

It is believed it would set a record for any planning application in Scottish history.

Objections to the Flamingo Land Limited and Scottish Enterprise application are already at more than 40,000.

Mr Greer said: "The success of tourism at Loch Lomond comes from the world-famous natural beauty of our national park.

"For the sake of a private developer's profit margins, that world-famous natural beauty and many jobs and businesses currently dependent on it are now at risk.

"Flamingo Land's own impact assessment was clear about water pollution, destruction of ancient woodland, harm to protected species and much more.

"Between that environmental damage and huge local concerns about the impact on roads and access to what is now but would no longer be public land, it's no wonder that 40,000 people have already objected."

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.

Final plans - with the addition of even more woodland lodge accommodation - were revealed last week.

It is estimated it would create 80 full-time jobs, 50 part-time jobs and 70 seasonal roles in the area.