Whiteinch waste energy plant threatens public health, infrastructure and local democracy

HERE is the letter I sent to the Planning and Environmental Appeals Division on Friday, October 21. What's going on is a complete disgrace. However, I'd like to commend Anniesland MSP Bill Kidd for his on-going support to local people on this horrific situation for local people.

PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL APPEALS DIVISION
4 THE COURTYARD
CALLENDAR BUSINESS PARK
FALKIRK 
FK1 1XR
Dear DPEA,

I am writing to object to the plans of WH Malcolm waste energy plant on South Street in Glasgow. This site is in my neighbouring constituency, Anniesland. The negative impact of this site is relevant to my constituency, Clydebank and Milngavie, which is just a few miles away. For several reasons, including public health, infrastructure and democracy I am opposing this development.

I will not condone the degrading of air quality for the sake of private enterprise. This is a heavily urbanised area with tens of thousands of people that could be effected badly. In Scotland, we have come on strides with public health – allowing this pollution-generating structure in such a bustling area will be a major step back.

I know Whiteinch well and the two major roads servicing it, Dumbarton Road and South Street. The latter of which is commonly the subject of roadworks and traffic lights. Many people use it to bypass the busy Dumbarton Road throughout the day. Trucks by WH Malcolm already clog up the streets, spilling debris and dirt across the roads. Adding further congestion will further inconvenience the local people who rely on these routes at key hours.

These plans run a coach and horse through local democracy. Resident groups, community councils, elected councillors, MSPs and MPs have all rejected these plans on behalf of the public they serve. There is also the matter of public rejections, with more than 1,000 being sent to Glasgow City Council’s planning department. This chimney to “gasify” waste should not be built given such fierce resistance from the public.

Whether its pollution, untenable infrastructure demands or local democracy – this contamination project must not come to fruition. On behalf of the people I represent in the Scottish Parliament, I express my deep reservations.

Yours faithfully,
Gil Paterson MSP
MSP for Clydebank and Milngavie (SNP)