Waste management appeal rejected

Plans to build a pyrolysis plant on the site of the former Shanks works in the village of Carnbroe will still go through, as the appeal against the building by the North Lancashire council was rejected by Lord Stewart.

The proposal has long been controversial – with more than 4000 representations against the initial development proposal, as well as a letter of objection from MSP Elaine Smith.

Campaigners also founded the Monklands Residents Against Pyrolysis Plant group. This group have organised mass demonstrations against the proposed plant, including one at the Court of Session.

However, their attempts were in vain, as yesterday Lord Stewart of the Court of Session in Edinburgh claimed that there were no legal grounds for the opposition – and thus the building will go through.

Commenting on the Court of Session's decision, MSP Elaine Smith, said:  "The people of Coatbridge have continued to make it clear that they do not want this plant and it is disgraceful that the Scottish Government have refused to listen. Campaigners will fight on and they will have my support to do so.”

These views also represent those of Labour MP Pamela Nash, who is deeply disappointed with the Scottish government. "We should be completely clear on this matter. Scottish Government Ministers has the powers to prevent this development from happening. They could have listened to and acted on the views of the people of Coatbridge and Airdrie. They chose not to do so, which I find quite shocking."

North Lancashire Council have been against the planning since it was first proposed in 2010, believing that it would increase traffic, as well as holding an uncertainty on the health consequences of the plant.

The council also maintain that there is no need for a waste management system of this size in the North Lancashire area.

Posted by Lauren Steadman