The Scottish Government has confirmed that developers have dropped their appeal against a proposed incinerator in Whitehill that was refused planning permission.
Monica Lennon MSP and protesters against the Whitehill incinerator
The developer, Clean Power, made their first application to build an incinerator on the Whistleberry road site in August 2013.
Following a lengthy campaign by politicians and local groups, such as Hamilton Energy Recovery Action Group (HERAG) and local community councils, that application was rejected by South Lanarkshire Council in May 2014.
Protest against the proposed Whitehill incinerator, November 2015
The following year that decision was overturned on appeal by a Scottish Government appointed Reporter.
Clean Power further incensed campaigners when they submitted a fresh application for an even larger incinerator, with a stack twice the height of the previously planned one.
That application was also rejected by South Lanarkshire Council, but the developer decided to appeal the decision to the Scottish Government.
However, campaigners have expressed delight at news that the appeal has now been withdrawn.
Protesting against the proposed Whitehill incinerator
Commenting on the news that the Whitehill 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.
We cannot have a situation ever again were Scottish Ministers ignore their own guidelines and give developers the go ahead against the wishes of the people.
I will be writing to the developer to welcome this decision and seek their promise to drop the proposal forever.
Ged Killen and Monica Lennon
Ged Killen, MP for Rutherglen and Hamilton West reacted to the news by praising campaigners, saying:
This is a victory for the campaigners and groups that stood up for their communities, and I praise them for taking on this seemingly David v Goliath battle.
Their efforts have not wavered since plans were first unveiled back in 2013.
Orchestrating a campaign which resulted in some 7000 letters of objection, and a petition of almost 3000 signatures, being submitted to the local authority is no mean feat, and they are to be commended.
I will be writing to the developer, and expect them to pull their proposals indefinitely.
Councillor Davie McLachlan and Monica Lennon MSP
Local Labour councillor, Davie McLachlan, also commended local community campaigners, saying:
It was always going to be the most difficult fight and during this long process, even when it looked impossible, the fight went on and the determination of everyone involved was unwavering.
This is the best example I can think of where the community stood up and said NO.
It was an honour to be a part of this process and I am extremely proud of you all.
