‘It is unacceptable’: MP slams Flamingo Land recommendation

A report released on Friday, May 16, by the Scottish Government’s Planning and Environmental Appeals Division gave notice that the reporter in charge of the case is “minded to allow their appeal”.

In September 2024, the Yorkshire-based theme park operator, Flamingo Land Ltd, had their planning permission in principle rejected by all 14 board members in attendance.

The original application was rejected last year  (Image: Lomond Banks) The £40m proposals could create more than 100 holiday lodges, two hotels, a waterpark, a monorail, 372 car parking spaces, shops, and more on the site called ‘Lomond Banks’.

Planning permission in principle will be subject to a legal agreement being reached.

The final decision has therefore been deferred for the period detailed in the Notice of Intention to allow the conclusion of that agreement.

READ MORE: Scottish Government reporter recommends Flamingo Land appeal approval

Douglas McAllister MP has called for First Minister John Swinney to intervene in proceedings.

Douglas McAllister MP (Image: Colin Mearns) He said: “A single Scottish Government appointed reporter overruling the collective will of the local planning authority and overwhelming and sustained public opposition to the application, is unacceptable. 

“It is doubly disappointing to hear today that the relevant Scottish Government Minister, is refusing to use his powers to call-in the application, and therefore such as the importance of this site at Balloch and Loch Lomond, a national symbol of Scotland’s scenic beauty and world-renowned, it is entirely appropriate that the First Minister now steps in immediately to call-in this application and urgently review the decision of his own Planning and Environmental Appeals Division of the Scottish Government.

“I have received countless emails and letters of disappointment and disgust from my West Dunbartonshire constituents at this SNP Scottish Government’s decision, and it is simply not good enough for the Scottish Ministers and the First Minister to wash their hands of this outcome. 

“They have the power to call it in and should be doing so now.

“It would be incredibly disappointing for the SNP Scottish Government to ignore these calls.”