Just after 4pm today, Thursday 30th May 2019, it was announced that ‘Clean Power Ltd’, who had proposed a controversial Incinerator on our doorsteps at Whistleberry have officially withdrawn their appeal.
The withdrawal effectively ends attempts at creating a waste facility at that location at that large scale, resulting in a victory for the local community.
Since 2013, the saga has been a 6 year battle for many community groups throughout Lanarkshire, including our own Community Council who professionally and efficiently spearheaded the protest campaign in Blantyre. In Hamilton, where the Incinerator was proposed to be sited, the prominent group celebrating today is Hamilton Energy Recovery Action Group (HERAG) who also similarly have been protesting for years. The Bothwell Road Action Group (BRAG) community group also called on the Scottish Ministers to turn down the appeal. It’s clear this afternoon to see other community action groups in Lanarkshire sharing the news.
Clean Power Properties appealed in October 2018 to the Scottish Government after the local authority refused planning. It was the council’s second such refusal of plans to erect an incinerator on Whistleberry Road, with the original plans blocked back in 2013.
Commenting on the news that the incinerator appeal has been dropped, Monica Lennon MSP said, “This is very good news and residents in Whitehill, Burnbank, Bothwell, Uddingston and Blantyre will be hugely relieved that the incinerator appeal has been abandoned. The developer must drop these proposals once and for all. Our communities have stood united and resolute against this incinerator since 2013 and the cross- party support has never faltered. I pay tribute to Hamilton Energy Recovery Action Group and everyone who turned up to meetings, wrote letters, delivered leaflets and marched against this incinerator.”
However, this may not be the end of the story. A smaller appeal was upheld with consent still in place for a start on site for the original scheme. Councillors meet next week to discuss action and next steps.
For now though. No large incinerator. Well done to everybody who signed the petitions and to all groups involved in making a stand.
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