The environmental impact of a proposed incinerator in an Easter Ross town is to be re-examined, it was agreed last night.
The decision was taken at a meeting called by Scottish Government Reporter Richard Dent, and agreed by all parties involved, including more than 100 members of the public. The meeting aimed to decide on an appeal process for a £43million incinerator scheme for Cromarty Firth Industrial Estate at Invergordon.
The plan by Combined Heat and Power was previously refused by Highland Council.
In December, however, Scottish ministers agreed there were grounds for looking at the application again.
Last night, Ewan Macleod, representing the applicants, proposed that all parties should be given the chance to say whether they felt too much time had passed since the original environmental statement was put together – and what parts needed to be updated.
His motion was backed by representatives of Highland Council, Ross Estates – known locally as Balnagown Estates and owned by multimillionaire Mohamed Al Fayed – and Invergordon Community Action for Recycling and the Environment (Icare).
Mr Macleod said: “As it stands at the moment neither Ross Estates nor Highland Council has specified which aspects of the environmental statement require to be updated.
“It would be helpful both to my client and the other parties if that could be made clear."
He suggested that concerned parties be given one month to make a written submission, and then the Reporter would be in a position to make a decision about how the appeal should be dealt with.
Mr Dent told the meeting the motion had “some considerable merit".
He said: “I hope those that came here tonight hoping it was going to be cut and dried are not disappointed. Ensuring I have the most relevant information seems to me to be an essential requirement."
He said he would issue the consultation details in the next week and a further pre-determination meeting would be arranged for a later date.
Afterwards, Icare director Tina McCaffery said: “The fact that the Reporter has asked for written submissions means we can reassess the situation again and raise things and challenge things again.
“We were at full capacity tonight so I am really happy with the turnout. You can always count on the people of Invergordon and the surrounding communities to turn out and protect their town.
“If there was any proof that these residents want a public local inquiry into this development, this was it."
Glenn Jones, of Combined Heat and Power, said last night: “The plant will need to meet very rigorous standards and we are confident the Reporter will see the merits of the scheme."