A lower chimney stack and smaller buildings are the keys to easing public fears over plans for a Perth incinerator that were re-submitted to council planners.
Grundon Waste Management has submitted a revised application for an “energy from waste” facility on Perth’s Shore Road in a move that is sure to enrage locals.
Described as a “smoke belching monstrosity” by opponents, the £100 million complex was thrown out by a government reporter last year however, Grundon has returned with an altered proposal it claims remedies flaws in the original.
Councillor Peter Barratt accused Grundon of “psychological warfare” in returning to the city with the scheme, while Pete Wishart MP said it could seriously harm local tourism.
Robert Nicholson, Grundon’s director of estates, said the designed development poses no significant adverse impacts on environmental resources or the local communities.
He said, “The layout, design and choice of buildings address earlier public concerns. We have gone out of our way to design a plant with minimal visual impact.
“In response to feedback on the previous application, the main change is the choice of the two-stage, advanced gasification technology for the 90,000 tonnes-a-year plant.
“This would burn refuse-derived fuel produced off site, generating 11MWh steam and hot water for direct export to nearby buildings and 16MW electrical power.
“This would be sold to the National Grid and would be able to power approximately 28,000 households.
“The glass-like solid residues would be suitable for use in the aggregates industry.
“This change in technology means the main stack height has been reduced from 80 metres to 34 metres and the tallest building from 34 metres to 18.5 metres.
“The new scale, design, appearance and layout mean the proposed development would now be a similar size to other existing developments in the local area.
“As a result of the reduced scale, the facilities would be predominantly screened from views to the west by the prison complex and to the north by the existing 25-metre high established tree cover in South Inch park.”
The last application created a storm of controversy with local people, politicians and even the nearby prison complaining about the development.
Graham Fleming of Bridgend, Kinnoull and Gannochy Community Council said, despite leading the campaign last time, it will consider its position before commenting on the new scheme.
Photo used under Creative Commons licence courtesy of Flickr user eastleighbusman.