The Scottish Government is considering holding a public inquiry into a £150million incinerator scheme in Aberdeen.
City councillors voted 23-14 to grant planning permission for the energy from waste facility in East Tullos – despite protests from residents.
The plant would be able to take in 150,000 tonnes of waste a year – both household and commercial – which would be collected by Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire and Moray councils.
The waste would then be burned to generate energy for 350 homes in Torry and hot water for Tullos Primary School.
The incinerator would have a 260ft chimney, which would tower over the site and surrounding area.
Opposition to the development was led by members of Torry, Kincorth, Cove and Nigg community councils amid claims pollution and risks to health had not been not properly considered by the local authority.
They have now written to the Scottish Government asking for a public inquiry.
A government spokesman confirmed: “We have received a request to call-in the application and we are giving it due consideration.”
Alan Strachan, the chairman of Nigg Community Council, said: “I am extremely disappointed at the decision taken by the council.
“There still remain a lot of unanswered questions.
“We consulted various members of the scientific community about the air pollution and emissions that will come out of this but we were totally ignored by the council in favour of their preferred experts.”
Ramsay Milne, convener of the council’s planning committee, insisted concerns had been listened to.
He said: “We listened carefully to the concerns raised very cogently by south of the Dee community councils and other members of the local communities.
“However, the energy from waste facility is underpinned by proven and safe technology and has the potential to provide renewable energy to heat homes, businesses and public buildings, helping address fuel poverty and provide jobs in the area.
“The partnership model we have proposed will also mean significant savings in terms of investment in the facility, ensuring that the people of Aberdeen get best value for money.”
