Yorkshire-based theme park operator Flamingo Land wants to build a £40 million holiday resort complete with water park, self-catering lodges and a hotel on the site at Balloch, West Dunbartonshire.

In a statement released late yesterday, minister for public finance Ivan McKee announced that the Scottish Government will now determine the appeal, citing the proposal’s broader implications.

“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,” said Mr McKee.

“This means that the appeal should be determined at a national level.”

The announcement came on the eve of a Scottish Parliament vote on the issue, during which Scottish Labour plans to move a motion on the proposed development.

Jackie Baillie’s motion reads: ‘That the Parliament agrees that the Lomond Banks planning application for a development at Balloch should be called in for determination by the Scottish Ministers’.

Ms Baillie said: “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 am pleased Ministers have finally accepted our calls and agreed to step in.”