JENNY GILRUTH MSP WELCOMES DECISION TO REFUSE BIOMASS PLANNING PERMISSION

Published date : 30 May 2017

MID FIFE & GLENROTHES MSP SAYS REFUSAL IS “RIGHT DECISION” FOR FINGLASSIE

Jenny Gilruth, MSP for Mid Fife & Glenrothes, has welcomed news that the proposed biomass plant in Finglassie has been refused planning permission by Fife Council.

A proposal to build a new 19.8MW biomass plant near Finglassie was made valid on 31st March 2017. The application was a resubmission of an application made on 28th April 2016, which was withdrawn due to design changes that emerged.

Many objections by local residents to the plans had been lodged on the Fife Council planning application online portal, and a number of public meetings have been held locally for residents to express their concerns. Local employer Flexcon had also expressed their concerns, claiming that up to 77 jobs could be lost as it could no longer operate due to pollutants from a Biomass plant contaminating its products.

Many concerned residents had approached local MSP, Jenny Gilruth, to raise the issue and to express their concerns. The Mid Fife & Glenrothes MSP has been liaising with Fife Council officials on their behalf.

On Friday 26th May 2017, the application was refused planning permission.

Commenting, Jenny Gilruth MSP said:

“I believe this is the right decision for the people of Finglassie and the surrounding area.

“While I welcome investment into the Mid Fife & Glenrothes constituency, this shouldn’t come at the expense of existing employers or against such strong opposition from local residents. The proposed plant would have had a significant impact on both and, given the many concerns and objections that have been raised, I do not think it would have been appropriate for the project to go ahead.

“It is heartening to see so many local people come together to express their views. It’s clear that the voice of the public has been heard, and I applaud Fife Council for taking this decision.”

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

The Planning Application reference for the proposed 19.8MW Biomass plant is:

17/00635/FULL

Full details of the proposals and the refusal to grant planning permission can be found at:

http://planning.fife.gov.uk/online/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=OMFRUKHFHW100

CONTACT DETAILS

Gavin Hugh

Researcher for Jenny Gilruth MSP

E-mail: Gavin.Hugh@parliament.scot

Phone: 01592 764815

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