Opposition to Leith Biomass Plant

The motion

That the Parliament acknowledges the staunch opposition to the proposed Leith biomass plant among the communities of Leith and across Edinburgh; understands that over 3,100 objections have so far been made on various grounds including noise, visual impact, emissions, air quality, odour and traffic concerns; remains unconvinced that the plant will generate environmental and economic benefits to Edinburgh, with some research suggesting that biomass power may fail to help Scotland meet its short-term CO2 reduction targets; notes the consultation responses by, for example, the Scottish Forestry Commission, Architecture and Design Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage and WWF Scotland, highlighting what they consider the numerous shortcomings of the proposals, including the size of the plant, the demolition of a B listed building, the impact on natural heritage sites and the potential failure to adhere to Scottish Government policy as set out in the Draft Electricity Generation Policy Statement 2010 and the National Planning Framework 2 to see biomass deployed in heat-only or combined heat and power schemes off-gas grid at an appropriate scale to make best use of both the available heat and of local supply; observes that the second public consultation period will close on 17 June 2011 and encourages residents in Leith and across Edinburgh to express their views by taking part in the consultation, and believes that, until an independent assessment of the impact of large-scale biomass plants has been undertaken, a moratorium on their development would be highly justified.

No recorded vote on this motion. Most motions are never debated, and many that are debated are agreed without a division. Vote records are published from 2011.

SNP 11 Ind 1 Lab 1 Green 1

Party shown is each supporter’s party when the motion was published.

No contribution in the Official Report cites S4M-00275 by reference.