Plans to build a holiday village on the banks of a national park have been approved by the SNP, overruling a rejection from the park authority and strong local opposition. The £43.5 million project will see two hotels, more than 100 lodges, a waterpark and a monorail built near Loch Lomond, in Balloch, West Dunbartonshire. A passionate counter-campaign spearheaded by MSP Ross Greer has gained more than 150,000 signatures in the years since the proposals were lodged, reflecting residents' concern about the environmental impact, traffic chaos on the A82 and the quality of jobs on offer.

The Scottish Government gave the green light to Yorkshire-based developer and theme park operator Flamingo Land on Friday, adding 49 conditions to the application - including a pause on development until compromise is reached with the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park Authority. Mr Greer pledged to "leave no stone unturned" in the continued fight against the project, labelling it "the most unpopular planning application in Scottish history".

The proposed site is owned by the Scottish Government's commercial arm Scottish Enterprise, which agreed to sell to Flamingo Land if planning permission for the development was granted.

Studies commissioned by the applicant, operating under the name Lomond Banks, suggested that it would create 80 full-time and 120 part-time jobs - but would have a net increase of just 61 full-time positions in the region, despite a £3.4 million economic boost.

Mr Greer, MSP for the West of Scotland, said: "This is an anti-democratic outrage. I cannot believe that Flamingo Land's destructive and immensely unpopular mega-resort is being given the go-ahead by government officials.

"It will cause irreversible damage to the world-famous local environment at Loch Lomond."

The project was also opposed by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, the National Trust and the Woodland Trust.

Simon Ritchie, of The Woodland Trust said: "The loss of ancient woodland to a development anywhere is shameful. To see it destroyed in a national park beggars belief.

"This proposal contravenes multiple regulations and sparked vast opposition locally and nationally. We are extremely disappointed by the ... decision that this inappropriate development should go ahead, with the loss of irreplaceable ancient woodland."

In response to local concerns, Lomond Banks has committed to improving the area through the 'Lomond Promise' scheme, including promotional work, reaching net zero by 2035, encouraging active travel and combating potential anti-social behaviour at the site.

Development director Jim Paterson said: "Our proposals have been informed by more than two years of positive engagement with the local community and key stakeholders.

"At the heart of our plans is a commitment to sustainable investment, local jobs, and a long-term partnership with the area, backed by our legally binding Lomond Promise to ensure the future prosperity of Balloch and beyond.

"We are delighted by the decision made by the Scottish Government reporter today. As we look beyond today's decision, we remain committed to being a strong and valued contributor to the local economy and we look forward to progressing with our proposals as we now consider detailed planning."

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: "An independent reporter has issued a decision intimating that he is minded to grant planning permission in principle for the proposal, subject to 49 planning conditions, subject to a legal agreement being reached between the national park authority and developer to secure the employment and environment issues that are set out in the Lomond Promise.

"As the appeal remains live, it would not be appropriate to comment further on the merits of the proposed development."