West Riverside and Woodbank House (Lomond Banks) National Park Authority Statement & Update – June 2025

Dr Heather Reid, Convener of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority Board, said:

“We confirm that this morning (11th June) the National Park Authority received notice of a Direction by Ministers that the Appeal will now be determined by the Scottish Ministers, following a statement issued yesterday evening by the Minister for Public Finance, Ivan McKee MSP.

“We stand firmly by the reasons for the Board’s unanimous decision to refuse the Lomond Banks planning application in September last year and our Officers’ submissions made in respect of the appeal process to date.

“We now await further clarification from Scottish Ministers on the next steps, and when known, will fully engage with the process in line with our statutory responsibilities as a Planning Authority.”

Update 11th June 2025

This morning (11th June) the National Park Authority received a Direction that the Appeal will be determined by the Scottish Ministers. This follows an announcement yesterday evening by the Minister for Public Finance, Ivan McKee MSP who stated: “the development raises issues of national significance in view of its potential impact on Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. This means that the appeal should be determined at a national level.”

Scottish Ministers can intervene at any point before a final decision is issued on a planning appeal. The Scottish Government Reporter originally published a Notice of Intention to allow the appeal on 16th May this year.  However, the recall means that Ministers will now decide whether to allow the appeal or to dismiss the appeal and their reasons for doing so. Ministers may appoint a new Reporter, and there may be further associated procedure. There is no set timeframe for a decision to be issued, however the decision of the Ministers will be final.

Recall Direction is available Scottish Government – DPEA – Document

You can view all of the documents for this Appeal on the DPEA website.

More details about the appeal process can be found here – A guide to planning appeals in Scotland – gov.scot

View previous updates regarding this application on our Major Planning Applications page.