A Dundee councillor has hit out at delays in deciding whether or not to approve a controversial biomass plant in the city.
West end councillor Fraser Macpherson has described the delay in a decision for the proposed facility at King George V Wharf as ”18 months of uncertainty.”
It is understood that the Scottish Government will consult with Dundee City Council within the next six months to allow the local authority to determine its response to the application by Forth Energy – a partnership between Forth Ports and Scottish and Southern Energy.
A decision on whether the plant will be given the go-ahead was delayed last year pending the outcome of air quality tests at the site.
Calling for the matter to be concluded as soon as possible, Mr Macpherson said: ”I was one of the councillors who was very concerned by the biomass application when it was first considered by the city council.
”I feel that the SNP administration’s non-decision to simply defer the application pending air quality tests has simply led to more than 18 months of uncertainty.
”The sooner the matter is determined, the better and this uncertainty and concern can end.”
He added: ”I agree with calls for the air quality tests to be made public.
”Speaking with constituents, there is also a great deal of concern over other aspects of the biomass proposal – visual amenity and the large number of additional vehicle movements being examples.”
There already exists a high level of air pollution in the harbour area, caused mainly by the busy passing traffic.
Fears the plant will generate further pollution have resulted in strong opposition from some quarters .
Last year the Scottish Government demanded air quality tests be conducted.
If approved, it is thought the 100 megawatt plant could produce enough electricity to power the equivalent of 160,000 homes and create up to 40 jobs.