Plans for a biomass plant at the port of Dundee were met with public apathy as a display was unveiled in Broughty Ferry library.
Just a handful of people attended throughout the opening day on Tuesday to view proposals from Forth Energy for the large-scale development at King George V wharf.
Those who did visit gave a mixed reaction, with some impressed by the potential employment opportunities and others put off by the imposing size of the building.
John Johnstone (51), who owns the Harbour Cafe just yards from the proposed plant site, welcomed the plans as a jobs boost for the city and the wider economy.
He said, “I think it will be great for Dundee and I don’t think we can afford not to do it with the way things are just now. I have watched the port decline year after year and this will guarantee some jobs are brought into the area.
“Obviously there will be objections about the height of the chimney, but it is an industrial area and has been that way for years.”
Susan Little from Broughty Ferry said she was worried about the visual impact the plant will have at a time when Dundee City Council is spending millions of pounds on development of the waterfront.
She said, “I don’t think it fits with the improvements to the waterfront or with the V&A Museum coming to Dundee. I am also concerned about the potential pollution and damage to the environment.”
Another Broughty Ferry resident, who asked not to be named, said, “We have such a beautiful waterfront and the government just seems hell bent on ruining it.”
The plans will stay on display in Broughty Ferry until Sunday before moving to Dundee Central Library from August 23-29 and to Tayside House from August 30 to September 17.
The public viewing follows a series of consultation exercises, which began with an exhibition outlining the proposals in January, followed by question and answer sessions held in March.
Officials from Forth Energy have also met representatives from community councils and Dundee Civic Forum to explain the details and impact of the project.
Objectors now have the chance to contact the Scottish Government Energy Consents Unit up until October, when Dundee City Council, Scottish Natural Heritage and SEPA will consider the development and present recommendations in December.
By July next year Scottish ministers are expected to have reached a final decision on permission for the project.
The biomass plant will create energy by burning renewable fuel sources such as wood pellets, with Forth Energy claiming enough electricity can be generated to power 86% of Dundee.
Protest group Residents Against Tay Turbines (RATTS) have voiced strong opposition against the proposal, complaining the emissions from the plant will have a detrimental environmental impact.
However, Forth Energy maintain that air quality will not be significantly affected and point to the 300 jobs to be created during construction and the 40 permanent positions to run the plant on completion.