Campaigners fighting against plans to build a £100 million incinerator near an Ayrshire village have told the Scottish Government to sit up and take notice of their crusade.
The SAY NO group, who have waged a long-running campaign against the proposed incinerator at the Barr Killoch plant, near Ochiltree, held talks with waste sector expert Dr Colin Church.
Dr Church was tasked with an independent review of the role of incineration in Scotland and he ultimately recommended a cap on future capacity.
But the campaign group wanted clarification on one of Dr Church’s recommendations, relating to ‘new’ planning applications.
And in the wake of a recent stakeholders meeting, campaigners say they are satisfied that Dr Church has come down on their side of the argument.
SAY No campaigner, Annie Hood, said: “Dr Church’s words were music to my ears. What a relief to be certain that, after considering all the evidence, Dr Church came out strongly and clearly against Barr’s proposal for an incinerator in Killoch.
“I hope the Scottish Government is listening, and that confirmation of the refusal is made public in order to reassure local residents that this terrible threat has now passed.”
Barr Environmental previously had planning consent for an energy-from-waste facility, using gasification technology.
Now they want to update that consent through an updated planning application in order to make use of more energy efficient ‘moving grate’ technology; that converts waste into ash, flue gas and heat.
Barr Environmental say the new facility will “safely, cleanly and sustainably” manage up to 166,000 tonnes of non-recyclable waste each year and generate enough electricity to meet the needs of 40,000 homes.
The cost of the proposed new facility is expected to be in excess of £100m, but it’s come under fierce opposition from the local community who are concerned over the potential impacts to people’s health and the environment.
The application is out for public consultation until Sunday, June 12.
Gavin Ramsey, spokesperson for Barr Environmental, said: “Our position remains that our site at Killoch has already been established as a suitable location for an energy from waste facility, due to our existing planning consent.
“The facility we’re now proposing is needed, as it will not only meet East Ayrshire’s current and future residual waste management needs, but also be critical in meeting the Scottish Government’s statutory landfill diversion targets for 2025.”
He added: “Importantly, our facility would also establish a new source of secure, domestic energy generation for Scotland.”
Circular economy minister Lorna Slater said the Scottish Government would consider Dr Church’s recommendations “carefully” and provide an initial response later this month.
Ms Hood added: “The SAY NO campaigners wish to thank local residents, local farmers, who are part of NFU Scotland and MSPs Elena Whitham and Carol Mochan for the support they have given us – and continue to give us.”
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