Siobhan McMahon MSP

The disappointment and anger of North Lanarkshire residents at the decision by Government reporters to grant planning permission for a new waste incinerator near Coatbridge is entirely understandable. I fully support their position, as I made clear during my recent speech in Parliament.

North Lanarkshire Council rejected Shore Energy’s application on the basis that it would adversely affect the health of local people and exacerbate traffic congestion at the Shawhead interchange. But despite a vigorous campaign co-ordinated by Monklands Residents Against Pyrolysis Plant, and local 6000 objections, Government reporters overturned the decsion.

Government minister’s Jim Mather and Aileen Campbell have both expressed opposition to energy-from-waste facilities, and Alex Neil claims the SNP has ‘opposed this application since day one.’

Given this, I would have thought the Government would be keen to exercise its right to reject Shore Energy’s appeal, as it is empowered to do under The Town and Country Planning (Determination of Appeals by Appointed Persons) (Prescribed Classes) (Scotland) Regulations 1987. Inexplicably, ministers refused to intervene.

This plant is not right for the environment, and not fair on local residents. We must not allow North Lanarkshire to become the dumping ground of Scotland.