Constituency MSP Jackie Baillie has released a letter from the Scottish Government which confirms that because West Dunbartonshire Council has objected to the application, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park are required to notify Ministers if they are minded to accept the application.

The letter from Kevin Stewart MSP, Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning, states that primary responsibility for dealing with planning applications and local planning matters rests with the National Park. He adds that planning legislation requires planning applications to be determined in accordance with the development plan for the area.

He advises that following notification from the National Park, Ministers would consider whether the application should be called in for determination or whether it should remain with the National Park.

Jackie said:

“This planning application has been extremely controversial with hundreds of people submitting objections on various different grounds. It is welcome news that Scottish Ministers will at least be given sight of the application should the national park be minded to accept.

“It has become apparent in recent weeks that the community representatives of the National Park board nearest the development will have no say at the meeting when the application is considered. This is disappointing.

“I hope that the strength of feeling from the local community will be truly represented at the meeting. and that the Scottish Government call in the application for determination.