Views on a proposed waste to energy plant at Peterhead were gathered in the town last night.

Buchan Combined Heat and Power Ltd is seeking full planning permission for a residual waste to energy power plant at the Upperton Industrial Estate, Invernettie.

The pre-determination hearing was arranged to allow interested parties to address councillors before a decision is made on what is billed as a major planning application.

Over the course of four hours, councillors from across Aberdeenshire heard from a range of speakers at a public session held in Peterhead's Palace Hotel.

The meeting, attended by around 300 people including councillors and speakers, was chaired by Buchan Area Committee chairman Councillor Stuart Pratt.

Councillors initially heard from representatives of Aberdeenshire Council’s own planning and transportation services, who outlined how the proposals have and will be assessed.

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The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) went on to outline the national considerations of waste reduction and disposal, and their own assessment of the application, before councillors heard how the applicants plan to operate the proposed plant.

Other speakers included local residents, groups and businesses who had registered their wish to address the council.

Although there was some public support for the plans, a number of local people raised concerns relating to the potential health implications of such a facility, and questioned the need for it to be built in Peterhead.

Others raised concerns about plans to site the plant close to an existing nursery, and the potential impact of the facility on existing and proposed businesses and the town as a whole.

Pressed on the potential for waste to be shipped in to Peterhead, the applicant confirmed there were no plans to do so.

Councillors asked a number of questions of the speakers at various points during the evening, seeking clarification of figures relating to carbon dioxide emissions, and the operation of the plant. Copies of presentations prepared by speakers were also sought.

The proposals have yet to be debated by councillors, and no recommendation has yet been made by planners.

A planning report will be brought before the Buchan Area Committee on Tuesday, December 8, this year and thereafter will brought before a full meeting of Aberdeenshire Council for determination in January 2010.

(GK/BMcC)