Grundon confirms commitment to Perth gasification plant as public inquiry begins

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With a public inquiry beginning into a Perth gasification scheme, the company behind it as affirmed its intention to proceed with the facility.

The inquiry is looking into the refusal by Perth and Kinross Council of the planning application for the facility at Shore Road.

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Representatives of Grundon Waste Management will appear in front of the inquiry to back its position that the revised proposal that was submitted in May 2011 addressed the specific issues raised by Perth and Kinross Council, takes into consideration the DPEA Reporter’s conclusions on the previous appeal and reflects the most up-to-date advice and guidance from SEPA and the Scottish Government.

Grundon director of estates Andrew Short said: “The proposed change in technology to a gasification process would reduce the overall scale of the proposed development. This would significantly reduce the potential visual impact of the facility on the landscape and visual amenity of the area. The proposed buildings are now similar in height to other existing buildings on the Shore Road and in keeping with the industrial character of the area.

“We do understand why the general public may be concerned about the proposals, and professional officers have a role to play in making sure that the public are provided with full and accurate information to help them form realistic judgements on development proposals. We firmly believe, and have demonstrated, that our proposal would not result in any adverse effects on the local environmental quality or amenity of the surrounding area.

“Outline planning permission has already been granted for the facility so the principle of acceptability of the proposed development at this location has already been established and is not an issue.

“We trust that once the Reporter has evaluated all the factual data by the company, and heard the additional technical arguments provided by RPS Environmental Consultants, he will recognise that our proposal to turn local waste into renewable power and heat while meeting the needs of the community, is the best solution for the people of Perth. We hope that Scottish Ministers will also take note of the factual evidence presented for what is an appeal on the detail, rather than the principle of an energy from waste facility in this location.”