Leith groups protest £360m scheme for docks biomass plant

Published on Tuesday 6 April 2010 09:52

CAMPAIGNERS are joining forces to fight proposals for a £360 million biomass power plant earmarked for Leith docks.

Opposition is growing to Forth Energy's plans for the giant renewable energy facility, which will include a smoke stack up to 100 metres high.

Developers say the plant will provide local jobs and help Scotland meet ambitious renewable energy targets, but a coalition of local groups will fight the plans.

Among the local groups raising concerns about the development are three community councils, two residents' associations and influential environmental organisation Greener Leith.

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Rob Kirkwood, spokesperson for the Leith Links Residents' Association, said there was now a "groundswell" of public opinion against the proposal, with plans for a mass meeting later in the year. He said: "Now people have had a chance to look at the proposals, they can see it's an opportunistic and money-making scam. Companies are long used to thinking that Leith is just Edinburgh's dumping ground, but things have changed. We're feistier now and we're not going to allow it."

Alastair Tibbitt, development manager at Greener Leith, said the environmental credentials of the plant had been overstated. He said: "We feel that Forth Energy will have to go away and rethink the plans. Most people share the view that it's too big and it's in the wrong place.

"For us, smaller would be better and we'd like Forth Energy to commit to an independent audit so we know the fuel is coming from genuinely sustainable sources."

The local concerns come after leading councillors, including city leader Jenny Dawe, highlighted their problems with the plans.

The plan has been earmarked for a site just 400 metres from homes by Forth Energy – a joint venture between Forth Ports and Scottish and Southern Energy.

Due for completion by early 2015 if it wins approval, the development will involve demolition of a B-listed grain silo and the erection of a smoke stack up to 100 metres high which will be visible from across the city.

Writing in the Evening News last month, Forth Energy's managing director, Calum Wilson, said: "The development is an ambitious project but one we feel will have a positive impact.

"The total investment at Leith will be up to 600m, providing economic growth and enhancing long-term employment prospects through the development of new skills. Opportunities will include the creation of 250 construction jobs and 60 operational jobs."