Acorn Bioenergy assurances over £36m Fearn plant amidst anger over Scottish Government appeal knockback of Highland Council decision
THE company behind highly controversial plans for a £36m biogas plant in Easter Ross this week pledged “to take the concerns of local people very seriously” as the Scottish Government overturned a Highland Council decision to knock back the bid.
There’s simmering anger though amongst campaigners who won the support of their local authority in highlighting a string of concerns about Acorn Bioenergy’s plans for a plant in Fearn many believe to be a potential danger.
Acorn Bioenergy voiced “delight” that the government “recognised the benefits offered by the plant in helping to deal with the climate emergency”. Asked about the concerns voiced by local people during the planning process, he said: “We take the concerns of local people very seriously and will continue to listen in the ongoing development of this exciting project.”
Asked about timescale for any work starting, a spokesman said: “We are now working hard on our delivery plan.”
Acorn Energy has said the plant it wants to build would generate enough biomethane to heat around 8000 homes or fuel 270 HGVs a year.
It told Highland Council during the appeal process: ““The EIA [environmental impact assessment] report has identified mitigation measures where necessary, and concludes that the likely effects on air quality, noise, cultural heritage, and the natural environment are considered as not significant.”
Many though remain disappointed that a decision taken within the Highland Council area has again been overturned on appeal by Edinburgh.
Cromarty Firth councillor Derek Louden called the decision “the latest in a long run…contrary to local opinion” and said he had flagged a number of concerns from the outset.
He said: “I’m sorry for the impact this decision will have on the village of Fearn in particular. I’m sorry local councillors struggled to be heard by the reporter.”
He said the community will hold the developer to account in meeting environmental conditions imposed.
And while fire safety isn’t a planning concern, he said: “This plant will join a whisky distillery and a massive warehousing operation and a fuel bowser for an airstrip.
“The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service will have their work cut-out for them should anything go wrong. There are no conditions in this regard.”
In November last year we also reported how around 2000 people had signed a petition calling for an end to plans to build the anaerobic digester plant near Fearn airfield, with residents fearing that increased traffic could exacerbate worry over the speed at which heavy vehicles travel past homes.
Asked to comment on the appeal decision, Highland Council said: “The Scottish Government decision on the application will be reported to the next scheduled Northern Planning Application Committee for noting.”
