The Scottish Greens say there are only two months left to 'save Loch Lomond' after a date is set for the final decision on controversial Flamingo Land plans.
The party welcomed the announcement earlier today (July 16) that the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park Authority (LLTNPA) will decide whether to approve or refuse the planning application on Monday, September 16 in a public meeting.
The complex called 'Lomond Banks' was put forward by Yorkshire-based theme park operator Flamingo Land Ltd and has received more than 97,000 signatures against it in an online petition- the most for a planning proposal in Scottish history.
If approved, it could include 104 holiday lodges, two hotels, a water park and a monorail which developers say will provide employment opportunities, economic investment and become a world-class tourist destination.
Opposers say they have concerns about an increase in traffic of up to 14 more cars every second at peak times, environmental damage including flood risks and harm to local businesses.
Creator of the petition and local MSP Ross Greer has long campaigned against the proposals and has led the 'Save Loch Lomond' campaign.
Greer now calls on the National Park to reject the plans and ‘end almost a decade of misery for the local community’.
He said: “Flamingo Land’s destructive plans would scar this world-famous natural landscape, endanger precious wildlife, increase traffic on already dangerously congested roads and seriously threaten local small businesses.
"The community have fought against these proposals for almost a decade now, defeating the first application and collecting a record number of objections to this latest version.
"Now it's time for the board of the National Park to stand up for Loch Lomond and for Balloch residents, reject these destructive plans and end almost a decade of misery for the local community.
“Objections can still be lodged at www.greens.scot/flamingoland. If you’ve not submitted your objection already, add your voice to our campaign and help us save Loch Lomond from the greed of this developer.”
Jim Paterson, development director for Lomond Banks, said: “We welcome today’s announcement from LLTNPA confirming a date for determination of our planning application for Lomond Banks.
“This final stage follows on from more than two years of public consultations, positive liaison with the community, shaping the plans to meet the needs of the local area and complying with the relevant National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) policies, which were recently introduced.
“We believe our proposals will create a world-class, sustainable tourist destination that is both fitting for the area and sympathetic to its important location at the gateway of Loch Lomond, as well as bringing numerous opportunities and investment for the region.
“We now look forward to the decision from LLTNPA on September 16.”
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