MP demands answers on biomass plan

Published on Monday 31 May 2010 09:51

LABOUR MSP Malcolm Chisholm is demanding answers from the Scottish Government over controversial plans for a biomass plant in Leith.

Forth Energy is expected to submit plans for the giant 360 million renewable energy facility within the next few weeks.

But Mr Chisholm, MSP for Edinburgh North & Leith, said because it is an application under the Electricity Act rather than a planning proposal, the decision on whether the plant should go ahead will be made by Scottish Government ministers rather than the city council.

Now he has tabled a series of questions in the Scottish Parliament, asking what contact there has been between government officials and Forth Energy, how many people submitted views to the government on the proposed plant, when a decision will be made and what account will be taken of local opposition.

Mr Chisholm said: "I have been consulting constituents since March and there is overwhelming opposition to this proposal. It's the wrong place and the wrong scale."