Readers who attended The Courier’s public debate into the Dundee biomass proposal voted strongly against the controversial £325 million project.
They were not swayed by Forth Energy’s claims that the investment with the creation of up to 500 jobs during construction and 70 operational posts thereafter would be good for the city.
Instead, they endorsed the view that it would be bad for the city as the unsightly building with its 90 metre stack would be a blot on the wider waterfront.
They believed it would be bad for tourism and investment and they feared it would be bad for human health by pouring pollution into the atmosphere.
A total of 93 people took part in the survey, about a quarter of the turnout at the debate at the Gardyne Theatre.
The people who attended were asked if the debate had changed their opinion about the biomass. Of those who answered, 84.4% (76 people) said no and 15.6% (14) said yes.
They were then asked if they thought having a biomass plant in Dundee would attract more investment in renewable energy projects to the city. Those who didn’t think so outnumbered those who did by four-to-one with 63.3% (57) saying no, 15.6% (14) saying yes and 21.1% (19).
Panellist Andrew Llanwarne, co-ordinator of Friends of the Earth Tayside, said: “Clearly this is a highly unpopular proposal and people are particularly concerned about the impact on air quality.
“It’s a pity that councillors were discouraged from attending the debate, as under their code of conduct they have a duty to consider issues on their merits, taking account of the views of others.
“We would encourage people to let their councillors know how they feel.”
A spokesperson at Forth Energy said: “We welcomed the opportunity to hear the views of residents and local businesses, and the event allowed us to clarify some key points around our proposal.”
The outcome of last week’s survey contrasts with the results of an online poll into the proposal conducted by The Courier when the biomass proposal was relaunched at the start of April.
Out of 102 responses, 49% thought Dundee should have a biomass plant, 30.4% didn’t and 11.8% didn’t know.
Forth Energy’s proposal is back on the agenda after they published the results of air quality tests on present and projected pollution levels in the Stannergate next to the King George V Wharf where the biomass, if approved, would be sited.
The test results are out for public consultation until next Thursday.
Forth Energy say the plant would provide electricity and low-carbon heat and put Dundee on the map for more renewable investment, and cause only a negligible amount of pollution.
Dundee City Council will consider its response next month and the final decision will be taken by Scottish ministers.