National Park recommends Balloch development plans be rejected

Multi-million pound plans to build a tourist resort on the banks of Loch Lomond have been dealt another major blow.

The director of planning at the National Park's recommending the board throw out the planning application when they meet in two weeks.

55,000 people have already objected to the proposals for a retail park, apartments and hotel - expressing concerns about infrastructure and ruining the natural landscape.

West Dunbartonshire Council is also recommending the development near Balloch be rejected.

Overall the report concludes that, in summary, two key elements of the application – proposals in Drumkinnon Wood and at the Pierhead area – would result in significant unacceptable impacts on the landscape, visual amenity, and trees and woodland. As a result, the proposed development would adversely affect the area’s built heritage and the enjoyment of the Pierhead area by both visitors and locals.

There are no socio-economic reasons, or public benefits that would outweigh these reasons. It is also not considered that the use of planning conditions could reasonably control or mitigate these impacts.

The report states that: The application does not comply with the Local Development Plan for the National Park, it is contrary to the National Park’s aims and presents a conflict between the first National Park aim (‘to conserve and enhance the natural and cultural heritage of the area’) and the fourth National Park aim (‘to promote the sustainable economic and social development of the area’s communities’), meaning the Authority must give greater weight to the first aim (this is known as ‘the Sandford Principle’).

Responding to the recommendation, West of Scotland Scottish Green MSP Ross Greer, said:

“This is a monumental victory for our community campaign to save Loch Lomond from these destructive proposals and to keep this huge chunk of our national park in public hands.

"I am delighted that officials have recognised the avalanche of objections from residents and people across Scotland who value their publicly-owned national park.

“A glance at the plans shows quite clearly why anger is so widespread. Their proposals admit the development will result in injury and death to red squirrels and otters, pollute running & standing water and damage ancient woodland.

“The Park board must now acknowledge what their own officials, the public and the local authority have told them about the potential impact of this development.

"To grant permission now would be to put the interests of big business ahead of the public and the world-famous environment and wildlife of the loch. It’s time to reject Flamingoland once and for all."