Scottish Greens MSP Ross Greer was in Balloch with local residents yesterday to present the record number for any planning application in Scottish history to plans for a Flamingoland theme park development.

The Lomond Banks project aims to transform the area with 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.

Currently owned by Scottish Enterprise, most of the 50-acre site is covered by an exclusivity agreement between the agency and Flamingoland company Iconic Leisure Ltd, meaning the sale of the land depends on planning permission being given.

Mr Greer, whose region includes Loch Lomond, has given objectors the opportunity to comment via his website, and so far over 54, 555 individual objections have been lodged. The statutory deadline is today but Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park has indicated that comments will still be accepted after this date.

Objectors are concerned by the privatisation of public space as well as a number of devastating revelations in the developer’s own environmental impact assessment, including the destruction of ancient woodland, deaths of otters & red squirrels and pollution to running and standing water. Balloch residents have also raised concerns about traffic congestion and the impact on local infrastructure.

Ross Greer MSP said: “Flamingoland 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.”