Latest news with #Yorkshire-based
Daily Record
4 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Flamingo Land developer criticises 'hysterical' opposition to Loch Lomond resort plans
Lomond Banks has hit back at the campaigners who have been opposing the proposed Flamingo Land development at Loch Lomond. The developer behind the controversial plans to bring a Flamingo Land development to the banks of Loch Lomond has expressed "extreme disappointment" after ministers recalled the application following a fierce campaign from activists. Theme park operator Flamingo Land, through its subsidiary Lomond Banks, had proposed to construct two hotels, more than 100 lodges, a waterpark and monorail at Balloch in a £43.5million development. Public Finance Minister Ivan McKee had previously declined to step in regarding the decision to proceed with the plans. But last week he confirmed that the government would now 'call-in' the plans. In a statement issued this week, Lomond Banks said that the move 'undermines the objective and independent judgment of the DPEA reporter'. Lomond Banks Development Director, Jim Paterson, said: 'As you would expect, we are taking legal advice. 'We have engaged with the planning process in good faith, following every regulation and expectation set by the National Park and Scotland's new national planning framework. "The land in question has been allocated for sustainable tourism development for decades, a fact acknowledged by the DPEA reporter. To have this long-established planning context disregarded at the eleventh hour raises serious questions not only about the integrity and consistency of the Scottish planning system, but also about Scotland as an investment destination.' He continued: 'The opposition has, unfortunately, relied on a sensationalist and misleading campaign, filled with hysteria, mistruths and inaccuracies, some of which disconcertingly continued to be relayed in last week's parliament debate. "Claims that we are developing a 'mega-resort' or bringing a 'theme park' to Loch Lomond are not only false, they are deliberately designed to stoke public fear and misinformation. There is no Flamingo Land-style park in our proposals, and such language is nothing more than a cynical attempt to derail a responsible development that aligns with the local development plan. 'Suggestions that this project will 'dominate the loch' are also disingenuous. Our development would front onto just 280 metres, that is 0.2 percent, of Loch Lomond's 153.5-kilometre shoreline. This is a proportionate and thoughtful approach, directly aligned with earlier developments such as Lomond Shores and fully consistent with the National Park's own vision. 'Contrary to the false narrative being pushed, this project has strong local support. Anyone genuinely interested in the views of the Scottish people need only look at the widespread positive engagement on social media and elsewhere, reflecting a clear desire for sustainable, year-round economic activity and job creation.' Mr Paterson insists the firm 'categorically reject' the 'baseless and offensive claim' that the firm are a Yorkshire-based company 'infiltrating Scottish shores'. He added: 'Flamingo Land is a Scottish-registered business, incorporated in 1973, and all taxable profits are retained within Scotland. Despite the name conjuring up connotations of a theme park style resort, Flamingo Land is the overarching company behind Lomond Banks – which is also a Scottish-registered business. These types of attacks are not only factually wrong, they are intentionally divisive and completely inappropriate. 'We remain fully committed to protecting and enhancing the natural environment. The ancient woodland at Drumkinnon Wood will be preserved and actively managed through a dedicated woodland management plan. Public access will not only be maintained but improved through upgraded core pathways. 'Claims that wildlife will also be affected are also unfounded, as the DPEA reporter concluded, there is no evidence to support these concerns. 'We now call on all Ministers, especially the planning minister, to uphold the integrity of the planning system. This process must remain impartial and evidence-led, not subjected to political opportunism or pressure campaigns built on misinformation. The rules must apply fairly and equally to all, or public trust in the system will be irreparably damaged. 'We urge the Scottish Government to see through the hysteria and consider not just the facts of this proposal, but the precedent it sets for all future investment in Scotland.' Campaigners against the plans last week welcomed the decision. Loch Lomond South Community Development Trust (LLSCDT) chairwoman, Lynne Somerville said: 'The people who live here must have a real say in the future of this place—not as an afterthought, but as equal partners. 'The overwhelming response from the community shows not only opposition to inappropriate development, but also a clear appetite for something better—something rooted in fairness, sustainability, and local benefit. 'Under the 2015 Community Empowerment Act, communities like ours are legally entitled to be heard and treated with respect in decisions that affect our land and future. It's time that legislation was meaningfully upheld.' Three local charities in favour of the development voiced their concerns that the Scottish Government had 'buckled to pressure'. The Friends of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, Maid of the Loch Steamship Company, and Helensburgh and District Access Trust argued that the government had made a U-turn due to the Lomond Banks planning application 'becoming a political football in the run up to the Scottish Parliamentary elections next year'.
Daily Record
6 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Green light for Flamingo Land resort in Loch Lomond 'would make locals leave in droves'
Community activists told the Sunday Mail of their relief after SNP ministers dramatically recalled the controversial £43.5million plans. Locals would leave in droves if 'nightmare' Flamingo Land holiday resort in Loch Lomond ever got the green light, campaigners have warned. Community activists told the Sunday Mail of their relief after SNP ministers dramatically recalled the controversial £43.5million plans for a waterpark, monorail, hotels, 104 chalets and more in Balloch on Tuesday. The Scottish Government had faced widespread condemnation over an initial decision by its Reporter – a civil servant who reviews planning appeals – to back the mega resort. That would have reversed a unanimous rejection of the bid by the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority in September. The Nationalist government's subsequent U-turn came on the eve of a potentially embarrassing Holyrood vote on the issue tabled by Labour's Dumbarton MSP Jackie Baillie – which ministers would have almost certainly lost. Balloch and Haldane community councillor Lynne Somerville said of the decision: 'I think there was a collective sigh of relief. 'There's a real fear here. People are talking about selling their homes and moving [if the development goes ahead. 'That's the people who are in a position to be able to do that. There's lots of us that aren't in that position. 'It's just going to make this place hell on Earth for the locals, so there's a real dread hanging over the community.' When she heard SNP minister Ivan McKee was 'calling in' the appeal for further consideration, Lynne says she was in a spin class. She said: 'My phone started pinging then I was punching in the air, screaming in delight and then I burst out crying.' The Lomond Banks development from Yorkshire-based theme park operator Flamingo Land would see a water park, a monorail, micro-brewery, two hotels, restaurants, shops and more than 100 woodland lodges built across the sprawling site. But critics say it would scar the iconic landscape of Loch Lomond, while adding to problems on the already congested A82, an accident hotspot. Independent councillor Jim Bollan, who opposes the Flamingo Land bid, said he was still wary SNP chiefs could green-light the resort despite more than 155,000 people signing a Scottish Greens petition against the plans. The Leven councillor said: 'The fortunate thing is we've got the Scottish Parliament elections coming up in May next year. I'm sure that'll be weighing heavy on the government. 'This has been going on for 10 years now and it has been a rollercoaster, back and forward. I think we're at the last hurdle and I genuinely hope they'll make the right decision. 'If the SNP government doesn't listen to 155,000 people who objected to this, they will suffer dearly at the ballot box.' He also criticised the Scottish Government Reporter's 'absolutely incredible' initial judgment to back Flamingo Land's appeal, claiming the civil servant had ignored key arguments against on conservation grounds and on flood risk, which was flagged by watchdog SEPA. Jim added: 'It's so undemocratic the way the system is laid out to allow one individual to overturn a unanimous decision by the planning authority.' Both campaigners – who sit on the board of the new Loch Lomond South Community Trust which wants to buy the land back for the community – separately raised the issues on the A82. Lynne said: 'That road is often like being in a car park. When you see the A82 blocked up and you see ambulances trying to get through, you get concerned and hope whoever is in that ambulance doesn't need serious emergency treatment that can't be dealt with in the ambulance.' Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Jim said: 'It would take millions to make sure the A82 was in such a condition it could take the extra 250 vehicles every hour expected at peak times. 'And sadly, there isn't a week that goes by without a fatality on that road.' The Scottish Government said because the planning appeal is live, it couldn't comment on specifics of the case. SNP Public Finance Minister Ivan McKee said: 'I have decided to recall the Lomond Banks appeal as the proposed development raises issues of national significance in view of its potential impact on Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.' Flamingo Land's developers Lomond Banks were approached for comment.
Glasgow Times
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Glasgow Times
Jackie Baillie 'welcomes' Flamingo Land plans being recalled
In September 2024, the Yorkshire-based theme park operator, Flamingo Land Ltd, had their planning permission in principle rejected by all 14 board members of the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs Planning Authority. However, last month, the Planning and Environmental Appeals Division (DPEA) gave notice that the reporter in charge of the case would allow the appeal for the Flamingo Land resort to be granted, subject to meeting a list of 49 conditions. A caveat was also included that a binding legal agreement must be reached with Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park Authority over an ancient woodland segment of the site. READ MORE: Controversial Loch Lomond Flamingo Land plans recalled Now, plans for the development at Lomond Banks have been recalled by the Scottish Government, with Minister for Public Finance, Ivan McKee, saying the proposed development raises issues of 'national significance'. Baillie previously raised "furious objections" to the plans. The Scottish Labour deputy leader had cross-party backing for a motion set to go before the Holyrood chamber today, asking the Scottish Government to call in the application for ministerial decision before it was recalled. She insists it is "about time" the decision was looked at. Baillie said: "It's about time the Scottish Government backtracked and called this decision in for scrutiny. "It was unacceptable to allow an unelected and unaccountable civil servant to take such a vital decision to prevent the Scottish Government from getting its hands dirty. "There are matters of vital national planning policy at stake in this decision, which has also been widely condemned by the community. "It's about time the Scottish Government started listening to local people and I am glad that my motion, which enjoyed cross party backing, has forced them to do so." Organisations such as the National Trust for Scotland, the Woodland Trust, the Ramblers, and the Scottish Government environment watchdog, SEPA, also raised objections against the plans.
Daily Record
11-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Campaigners welcome decision to call in Flamingo Land's controversial Loch Lomond plans after government U-turn
The Scottish Government has called in plans for a major development on the banks of Loch Lomond. Campaigners have welcomed a decision by the Scottish Government to call in Flamingo Land's controversial plans for a £43.5million resort on the banks of Loch Lomond. Yorkshire-based theme park operator Flamingo Land, through its subsidiary Lomond Banks, had proposed to construct two hotels, over 100 lodges, a waterpark and monorail at Balloch. After a long-running battle, initial proposals were shelved in 2019 due to significant local opposition and concerns from bodies such as the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA), the Woodland Trust and the National Trust for Scotland. Subsequent revised plans were unanimously turned down by the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park authority - however, an appeal by Lomond Banks was upheld by a Scottish Government reporter, who imposed 49 conditions on the developer and required them to reach an agreement with the authority before commencing construction. Despite pressure from MSPs, Public Finance Minister Ivan McKee had previously declined to step in regarding the decision to proceed with the plans. But in a statement released on Tuesday evening, he confirmed that the government would now recall the plans. "I have decided to recall the Lomond Banks appeal as the proposed development raises issues of national significance in view of its potential impact on Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park," the minister said. "This means that the appeal should be determined at a national level." Mr McKee had previously mentioned that "technical planning issues" were involved in the application, stating it was right for "objective planning judgment" to be used, hence the Government would not intervene. Following his remarks, a campaign spearheaded by the Scottish Greens saw over 50,000 individuals petitioning him to reconsider. Loch Lomond South Community Development Trust (LLSCDT) welcomed the decision and said it is actively working to shape and promote a "positive, community-ledalternative vision for the area—one that supports sustainable tourism, protects theenvironment, and truly benefits the people who live, work, and visit Loch Lomond". LLSCDT chairwoman, Lynne Somerville said: 'The people who live here must have a real say in the future of this place—not as an afterthought, but as equal partners. "The overwhelming response from the community shows not only opposition to inappropriate development, but also a clear appetite for something better—something rooted in fairness, sustainability, and local benefit. "Under the 2015 Community Empowerment Act, communities like ours are legally entitled to be heard and treated with respect in decisions that affect our land and future. It's time that legislation was meaningfully upheld.' The announcement arrived just a day before Scottish Labour planned to initiate a debate urging Government intervention, with Dumbarton MSP and the party's deputy leader Jackie Baillie suggesting ministers were apprehensive about a potential defeat. "The SNP face a motion tomorrow from Scottish Labour demanding that the application is recalled," she commented. "Thanks to cross party support for our motion, the SNP has U-turned before it was defeated in the chamber." In her statement, Ms Baillie remarked: "This is a welcome U-turn by the SNP, though it shouldn't have taken the fear of a defeat in Parliament to force them to reach this decision. "The SNP has ignored concerns time and time again – from politicians across the chamber and from local campaigners. "It is not right that a single reporter was allowed to overrule the National Park Authority's unanimous decision to reject the bid of the Flamingo Land resort. "This decision requires proper democratic oversight and I'm pleased ministers have finally accepted our calls and agreed to step in." Reacting to the announcement, Scottish Green MSP Ross Greer commended the decision, saying it was the "right move". "The evidence of the damage it would do to one of Scotland's most iconic locations is overwhelming," he added. "Once ministers consider the flood risk, loss of ancient woodland, hundreds of additional cars which would be brought onto notoriously congested roads and the litany of other devastating impacts it would have, I am sure they will reject the mega-resort application and finally end this decade-long saga. "People across Scotland expect their Government to protect our natural heritage. "Given previous mistakes, including the approval of Donald Trump's golf course despite local objections and serious environmental concerns, this is an opportunity for ministers to show that they have learned and will now put people and planet ahead of greedy developers."
North Wales Chronicle
11-06-2025
- Business
- North Wales Chronicle
Evri tie-up with DHL's UK parcel arm being probed by competition watchdog
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said it will look into whether the deal could 'result in a substantial lessening of competition' in the postal delivery sector. It is initially gathering comments on the tie-up, with a deadline for submissions of June 25, before formally launching its investigation. 'The CMA is issuing this preliminary 'invitation to comment' to allow interested parties to submit to the CMA any initial views on the impact that the transaction could have on competition in the UK,' it said. Yorkshire-based Evri last month unveiled the deal to merge with rival DHL's UK ecommerce business in a move which will see it also enter the UK business letter market for the first time, competing further with Royal Mail. German-owned DHL Group will acquire a 'significant minority stake' in Evri as part of the merger. We're looking into the proposed EVRi merger with DHL eCommerce UK. Both companies operate parcel delivery services: — Competition & Markets Authority (@CMAgovUK) June 11, 2025 The two operations, which will operate as Evri Group, will bring together more than 30,000 couriers and van drivers, and 12,000 further workers. Evri, which was previously part of the Hermes parcel group, was snapped up by US private equity firm Apollo for around £2.7 billion last year. Apollo will remain the majority shareholder in the business. The combined company will deliver more than one billion parcels and one billion letters each year, the firms said. They said the merger will offer 'greater choice and cost-competitive solutions' to businesses and consumers, and expand import and export capabilities. The business will be led by Evri chief executive Martijn de Lange, according to the groups. The deal comes amid a raft of mergers and acquisitions in the sector, with Royal Mail owner International Distribution Services being bought by Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky's EP Group in a £3.6 billion takeover. In April, Polish parcel locker firm InPost also struck a £100 million deal to buy UK rival Yodel, combining the home delivery and collection networks to form one of the largest logistics groups in Britain.
