Power plant 'rips up Leith framework'

CONTROVERSIAL proposals for a biomass plant in Leith amount to "ripping up" development plans for the area, it has been claimed.

Local councillor Gordon Munro urged local residents to formally object to the plans, which he claimed would breach "several" planning positions adopted by the council.

Forth Energy, the developer, argues the plant will create jobs as well as providing a boost for the local economy and Edinburgh's chances of meeting renewable energy targets, but Cllr Munro said: "This application breaches several planning policy positions of the council adopted in the Edinburgh City Local Plan.

"Not only does it do that, but it also rips up the Leith Docks Development Framework agreed by the council."

He added: "This plant will be visible from the Pentland Hills, the World Heritage site, the Firth of Forth and Fife.

"This blot on the landscape is bigger than the Scott Monument, with none of the monument's charm or thought given to its location."