Ports boss dismisses claims that power plant will spoil views

Published on Tuesday 23 March 2010 09:06

THE company behind plans for the regeneration of Leith Docks today admitted that a controversial new biomass power plant would stand taller than the proposed giant Ferris wheel.

Bosses at Forth Ports confirmed the plant's chimney would be "slightly taller" than the 85-metre high tourist attraction earmarked for the port.

But they insisted the plant would not spoil "iconic" views of Edinburgh and Fife from the Waterfront or the sights enjoyed by visitors to Scotland's National Wheel.

The comments, by Forth Ports chief executive Charles Hammond, came after city leaders expressed concerns the biomass plant could threaten the regeneration of the whole Waterfront area.

Planning leader Jim Lowrie said that the plant, which is proposed by Forth Energy – a joint venture between Forth Ports and Scottish & Southern Energy – would be "a real blot on the landscape" and threaten developments like the big wheel.

One potential site for the Ferris wheel, next to Ocean Terminal and the Royal Yacht Britannia, is within half a mile of the biomass plant site at Imperial Dock.

But Mr Hammond – who confirmed on-going talks with the company planning to open the big wheel – dismissed concerns about the impact the plant will have.

He said: "We have been through an initial consultation phase. We understand people will have concerns and we are committed to addressing these.

"We believe the wider regeneration of the area can fit in well with the biomass plant. We have ambitions of sustainability and the plant can supply heat and energy towards the development."

He said discussions between Forth Ports, the council and Great City Attractions – which would build the observational wheel as a private venture without public funds – are "making progress".

When asked whether the views from the wheel might be spoiled by the height of the biomass plant, he said: "I do not think there is any problem there. The wheel will be 85 metres tall.

"The chimney (of the biomass plant) will be slightly taller, but the buildings shouldn't be.

"There are a number of very strong views from the Waterfront up to the Castle and out to the Forth Bridge and Fife; all really iconic views. I think the wheel and the biomass plant can co-exist."

Nigel Ward, head of global development at Great City Attractions, said: "We are working hand-in-glove with the other developments.

"We are aware of the plans (for a biomass plant) and we are working with Forth Ports on where to locate the wheel."

Meanwhile, new results show that Forth Ports returned to profit in 2009, with pre-tax profits of 36.3 million against a 30.7m loss a year earlier.

Uncertainty continues to surround the firm, which was recently the subject of two failed takeover approaches from a consortium of its shareholders.

But Mr Hammond today insisted the company remains focused on growth and business development despite the speculation.

He also urged the Scottish Government to approve an innovative plan by the city council, where it would borrow 84m against future business rates income to allow a series of Waterfront infrastructure projects to go ahead.

It is hoped the work – including a new cruise liner terminal, public walkways and roads – would help encourage private development.

Councillor Tom Buchanan, the city's economic development leader, said: "I would have to see their detailed plans, but is the first view someone on a cruise liner wants ]of Edinburgh] a large biomass centre?"