Dear all - the DPEA have not yet committed to a timeline on the result of the appeal, but I am in constant contact with them and hope to update everyone soonest.  Meanwhile, just to let you know that Elaine Smith is still actively pusuing the Govt for their position  on the energy from waste proposal, please see latest press release below.

Please feel free to forward as appropriate

I will be emailing Jim Mather's office to ask if granting permission is up  to our council, why they allowed the appeal. Please email too, it all helps with the campaign.  Here's the link for sending online: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/msp/memberspages/jim_mather/contact.htm

Many thanks

Maggie

MRAPP

Press Release – Elaine Smith MSP – Shore - Energy from Waste Plant

 Elaine Smith MSP has criticised the SNP government for hypocrisy following an answer to her by energy minister Jim Mather in Parliament this week.

Elaine has been continually putting pressure on the SNP government to step in and refuse planning permission for the proposed pyrolysis incinerator in Coatbridge.

The local Labour MSP last month in the Scottish Parliament called on First Minister Alex Salmond to take personal responsibility and refuse planning permission for the plant but he refused to do so.

The Coatbridge and Chryston MSP was also stopped from asking a question on the issue last week by SNP deputy presiding officer Alasdair Morgan.

SNP energy minister Jim Mather told the Parliament, this week, that he was happy to reaffirm the Scottish Government’s position that they do not support large-scale, inefficient energy-from-waste facilities.

Elaine rose in response to this assertion and pointed out to the Minster that given that energy from waste plants are one of the least preferred options in the waste hierarchy and that they undermine efforts to reuse, recycle and compost, the Scottish Government should do much more to limit the percentage of waste that is directed to energy from waste plants.

She then challenged him on his assertion that the Scottish Government did not support large scale energy from waste plants asking:

“Given the minister’s previous answer, will he explain to my constituents why his Government has not chosen simply to say no to Shore Energy’s appeal for the proposed pyrolysis incinerator energy from waste plant close to homes, schools and nurseries in my constituency?”
Unfortunately the SNP minister showed a total lack of understanding of the local issue stating that it was a decision for the Local Authority, despite North Lanarkshire Council having refused planning permission for the plant last year and an appeal currently being considered by the Scottish Government’s reporters:

Jim Mather stated:

“As for the debate about Elaine Smith’s local situation, I suggest that she discuss that with her local authority. Where necessary, she can weave in the Scottish Government to help to manage the conversation going forward.”
Under the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997, Scottish Ministers have the power to simply refuse the planning appeal for the pyrolysis plant in Coatbridge but they have chosen to allow their reporters to make the decision.

Elaine said:

“The Minister’s answer to me in Parliament, this week, is disgraceful and highlights the hypocrisy of the SNP government”
“Their energy minister claims that it is important that we do not go down the road of building large-scale, inefficient energy from waste plants, yet his government has refused to reject the incinerator in Coatbridge outright.”
“The fact that he suggested I take the issue up with the local authority shows an appalling ignorance of the situation with regards to the appeal against the incinerator in Coatbridge.”
“As my constituents know the local council rejected this proposal and it is the SNP government who have allowed the appeal to proceed.”
“The decision on this lies firmly with Mr Mather’s government and I have been making this point in the chamber for months now.”
“Either the left hand doesn’t know what the right hand is doing or this is just another damning example of the hypocrisy of the SNP.”
“They appear to be saying one thing to their own MSPs and another when it comes to me and the people of Coatbridge.”
“Given they are now clearly stating their opposition to energy from waste plants, it is totally outrageous that the SNP government have not simply said NO to Shore Energy’s pyrolysis incinerator proposal.”

Brian Cooney

Researcher to Elaine Smith MSP 
Room M3.18 
Scottish Parliament 
Edinburgh 
EH99 1SP

Tel: 0131 348 5824 / 01236 449122 
e-mail: brian.cooney@scottish.parliament.uk

MRAPP and Elaine Smith MSP will present their evidence on the morning of Wednesday 16th February.  We urge the public to show their support for our campaign and join us at the Hilton Strathclyde (Phoenix Crescent, Bellshill). Proceedings start at 9:45 and entry after this time will not be allowed.

Thank you for your support.

Monklands Residents Against Pyrolysis Plant    

………… update from MRAPP

As you will be aware, the Inquiry and Hearing Sessions for the Shore Energy Appeal will take place from Tues 15th Feb starting at 10:00am each day in the Hilton Hotel Strathclyde (at Bellshill) and are expected to last for 4 days. After the 1st day, proceedings will start each day at 9:45am. They will normally continue until about 5.00pm, with a break for lunch of about an hour.

The public are allowed to attend - we strongly encourage anyone who can manage to be there, even just for a few hours – please come along and show how much support MRAPP have in the Monklands against Shore Energy's incinerator proposal.  We await the final timetable from the DPEA to determine the exact date/time when we will be presenting and we hope to update everyone soonest.   The Dept of Planning & Environmental Appeals has pointed out that once proceedings start, late entry will not be permitted.  All documents, correspondence and Precognition statements can be read online at www.dpea.scotland.gov.uk/CaseDetails.aspx?id=qJ12238

The Precognition Statements (from all sides of the case) will be loaded onto the DPEA website within the next few days.   Particularly strong statements from Dr Ann Glen & Elaine Smith MSP - for which we are grateful. 

Also, objectors have received a further letter from the Transport Commissioner regarding the Shore Laminates application to operate 82 HGV's and 100 trailers on the Shanks site.  We have been informed that a Public Inquiry will held due to the level of objections.  More cost to the taxpayer, thank you Mr Simon Howie!

 Thank you for your ongoing support

Maggie Proctor (on behalf of MRAPP)

Please pass this message on to neighbours, friends etc.

FORMER SHANKS McEWAN SITE LATEST NEWS! 

Appeal Decision Notice announced

“I dismiss the appeals and refuse planning permission”

-      Decision by William M H Patterson, Reporter appointed by the Scottish Ministers,  Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals

This is the former Shanks site cleared of forestry by Rossco Investments (owned by Simon Howie of Shore Energy), adjacent to the ‘refused’ incinerator site.

Rossco Investments applied to change this land to class 5 & 6 for General Industry, Storage & Distribution. NLC refused permission in June 2009.  This decision has been upheld by the Reporter after a public enquiry in May 2010.

Once again, thanks to all our supporters and campaigners who contributed to this success.

Please note: Shore Energy have until 21^st July 2010 to lodge an appeal against the refusal of planning permission for a pyrolysis incinerator.            MRAPP

ATTENTION CARNBROE RESIDENTS – 2 postage stamps & 5 minutes of your time please!

Shore Laminates Limited (owned by Simon Howie of Shore Energy) has applied to the Traffic Commissioner for an Operator’s Licence for 82 goods vehicles and 100 trailers at the former Shanks McEwan site.

If this is granted, this could strengthen his case for an appeal against the incinerator decision or any future plans he may have to resubmit his incinerator plans in another format.

The application is detailed on page 39 of the Advertiser (9^th June) and invites objections which must arrive by 29^th June by post only. 

Reasons to object

·       As a resident:

        o   to the proposed intensification of vehicles in this area leading to an increase in emissions

o   to the potential increase in use of nearby local road (which runs through the village of Carnbroe, past homes and a local primary school)

o   to the potential loss of visual amenity

o   to the potential increase in noise

o   to the potential increase in light pollution

o   to the potential increase in out of hours activity thus causing neighbouring residents to be affected (this will not be a 9am-5pm operation)

o   to the potential harm to local wildlife in the area due to increased traffic movements

·         As an M8 and local road user:

o   to the proposed increase in traffic in an area of the M8/A8 identified as an area of severe traffic congestion

o   as the site is clearly visible from M8 due to inadequate screening, thereby causing potential for driver distraction and would be detrimental to the visual enhancement of the M8 corridor

o   the lack of a dedicated proper on/off ramp from the motorway to the applicant’s site - access is currently directly from the M8

 The local road between M8 and Carnbroe has seen an increase in HGV and ‘wagons & drag’ activity due to ongoing congestion on the M8.  Allowing this site to be licenced for 82 goods vehicles would present serious concerns to families in Carnbroe in its operation and what could end up on the site in the near future. 

 Please send an objection letter to:

 Traffic Commissioner, Hillcrest House, 386 Harehills Lane, Leeds  LS9 6NF

Objections will not be considered unless also copied to the applicant  at:

Shore Laminate Fabricators, Friarton Bridge Park, Perth PH2 8DD

Reminder – all objections by post only and received by 29^th June.  We are trying to protect Carnbroe, but can’t do it without your help.     Thanks from MRAPP.