Controversial plans to extract peat from a site in Fife will bring “a number of benefits” to the area, it has been claimed.
Horticultural experts Everris Ltd have submitted a planning application to Fife Council to extract peat over a 10-year period at a 76-acre woodland site to the north-west of the Mossmorran gas plant.
The land, which sits to the east of the A909, was previously worked for peat, albeit not for more than a decade.
The Scottish Wildlife Trust has lodged an objection, outlining “strong concerns” about new peat extraction sites, saying former peat sites would be better restored.
Trust planning assistant John McTague said: “If restored, this site could be rich with peat specialist plants such as cranberry, heather and sundew, to provide a crucial habitat for wildlife such as breeding snipe and wintering merlins.”
The Forestry Commission Scotland and the RSPB have also submitted concerns online, with both bodies calling for an environmental impact assessment to take place.
Fife Council said this is unnecessary, however, because of its scale and location.
The company behind the peat extraction plan, Everris Ltd, insists its proposals will benefit the surrounding communities, rather than damage them.
Marketing manager David Steward told The Courier: “We recognise the importance of conservation and also recognise that peat bogs provide a unique habitat for flora and fauna.
“Which is why we only source peat from production areas that are managed responsibly and meet green targets. We also ensure peat production sites are managed in a way that minimises any potential damage to the surrounding countryside and enables rehabilitation of the site after extraction has ceased.
“Throughout the process so far we have openly consulted with Mossmorran and the council, the local community and even hosted a public information event and we plan to keep all the relevant parties informed.
“It’s worth noting that the site at Mosmorran was previously worked for peat before, so everything is in place already, including a very good drainage system, so it’s all there for us to begin work on as soon as we get the green light.
“Another important aspect is a project of this kind will bring a number of benefits to the area such as investment and employment.”
Mr Steward said he was hopeful that, pending approval, work could begin at Mossmorran as early as spring next year.
If the application is granted, the peat would be milled using mobile machinery then dried and stockpiled on site before being transported.
Fife Council planner James Wright said consideration would be given to landscape impacts, ecosystems, habitats, traffic generation, noise, dust, hydrology and the release of carbon dioxide gases.
Cowdenbeath Community Council secretary Christine Gourlay said: “Now that the Scottish Wildlife Trust have raised concerns I intend to raise the issue with my fellow community council members when we next meet in January.”