Biomass plant: 'This project should not be rushed through'

THE proposal to build a massive £360 million biomass fuel plant at Leith Docks appears, at least on the surface, to offer many benefits for the Capital.

There would be jobs for almost 200 people and enough "green" energy to meet most of the city's needs. But, as is often the case, the Devil may yet be in the detail.

Serious questions are being asked about the environmental credentials of the project, with plans to ship woodchip to the plant from as far afield as North America.

At the same time, there are justifiable concerns about making such a dramatic departure from the established masterplan for the future development of the Waterfront. Does an enormous power plant with a smoke stack up to 100 metres high really fit in with the vision of the docks becoming an attractive place to live in and visit?

Development has been slow to date, largely due to the recession, and although the present grain silo is not a thing of great beauty, how would developers and potential purchasers feel about building or setting up home in the shadow of what, when all is said and done, is a power station? Is there not a more isolated site where it would be less of a blot on the landscape?

It is too early to know for sure whether the plant would be good or bad for Edinburgh. What is certain is that many questions need to be answered before the Scottish Government gives it the go-ahead.

This is far too important a decision to be taken without due diligence and without the council, local people, businesses and potential investors in the Waterfront being given ample opportunity to raise any concerns and get full and proper answers at a public inquiry, if that should prove necessary.

It is a project that should not be rushed through.

Underpass dangers

THE value of underpasses as road safety features are undisputed, but in some parts of the city they have become dangerous places as the number of crimes committed in them continue to rise.

News that the Telford Road underpass – from where a young Australian girl was abducted and subjected to an horrific rape ordeal – is to have improved lighting installed will be welcomed by all who use it.

But the problem is more widespread. In one underpass in Calder Road, at least 26 serious crimes have taken place in the space of just three-and-a-half months, including assaults on two pensioners and a knifepoint robbery on a pregnant woman.

Is it not time for a wider review of security measures to offer greater protection for those forced to use them?