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WH Malcolm Appeal Rejected

'Whiteinch WH Malcolm gasification plant gets final rejection' Clydebank Post Article Extract 

"Opponents of a controversial plant to 'gasify' waste in Whiteinch have delcared victory as the plans were rejected after a five-year wait."

The plans included building a 230 foot chimney. There were many concerns voiced by the local community and Bill Kidd MSP, including the impact of fumes and heavy traffic flow on the health of the local community, the lack of a credible Community Heating programme and on environmental grounds. The significant community action was supported by Bill Kidd MSP throughout the current session in the Scottish Parliament- from 2016 to 2021- who made repeated representations to the Scottish Government during this slow legal process on behalf of local residents and community groups. 

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The controversial bid by WH Malcolm to expand their South Street site was rejected by Glasgow City Council in 2016 but had been passed up to Scottish ministers to decide.

It bounced back and forth between the national planning reporter and government, with more follow-up questions for the council and developers, as well as more opposition from residents.

Residents and local politicians of all stripes were united against the plans, which would have included a 230ft chimney at the site.

Although there were almost 1,000 objections submitted, the final decision has been left in limbo for half a decade.

The news was revealed this morning and the 19-page outcome concluded: "Scottish ministers hereby dismiss the appeal and refuse planning permission for the alteration and diversification of existing waste recycling facility to incorporate an energy recovery facility and associated flue and infrastructure, at 865 South Street, Glasgow G14 0BX.

"This decision of Scottish ministers is final."

Neil Lovelock, project manager of Glasgow Eco Trust, based in Scotstoun Community Centre, praised the "tenacity and perseverance" of many groups and individuals who united against the proposals.

He noted a pre-planning application was submitted in October 2014, and ministers called in the decision the day after the last Scottish Parliament election. The rejection comes a day before the election period starts for the next parliament.

Mr Lovelock said: "We're absolutely delighted. This is something to be celebrated. It was a real team effort and a good example of acting local, thinking global.

"On behalf of the community, we welcome the decision by Scottish ministers, but it's been a long time coming.

"The length of time this has taken has been a downside. It's been hanging over the community for far too long, and the company has been in limbo as well."

 

Politicians at all levels had voiced their opposition to the plans, in particular over the impact from fumes and heavy traffic on the area.

Bill Kidd MSP said: "I’m absolutely delighted for everyone in the constituency who have worked so hard for this outcome and for the whole community who’ll benefit from the Minister’s decision.

"As Kevin Stewart MS, Minister for Planning, has told me, this is the result of having listened to all those who’ve made representations. They have put forward logical arguments and, so importantly, this decision is final.”

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