Speaking for the first time since confirmation that the company is appealing against refusal of the hotly debated scheme, Combined Power and Heat director Glenn Jones told the Journal the firm is in line with national policy, will create work at a time when others are laying off and has the support of a "majority" of people keen to see investment in the area. His comments came as community activists - who insist the town "is not open for dirty business" - prepare for a fresh battle over a scheme many fear poses an unacceptable health risk.

In August this year, more than 200 objectors packed a heated all-day planning hearing at which the scheme - centering on incineration of waste to create enough power and heat for 10,000 homes - was kicked out against the recommendation of Highland Council planners, who had recommended approval.

The rejection - on grounds of road safety issues at the notorious Tomich junction, potential detrimental impact on amenity and the fact the former smelter site is near schools and houses - was hailed at the time by Easter Ross-based MSP Rob Gibson as a victory for local democracy and toasted by objectors who fought a high-profile campaign.

Asked yesterday why the company had decided to ignore pleas from the community not to take the matter to appeal to the Scottish Government, Combined Power and Heat director Glenn Jones said, "Our legal team has put together an appeal. We are just following national policy. I still believe that the majority of people in the area see this as a major investment and a source for job creation.

"We are led to believe that jobs are difficult to come by in Invergordon and that a lot of people are being laid-off at the present time. This scheme would be providing significant local employment. He said the technology had been proven over many years "and is used safely across Europe". He said waste to energy plants are recognised by the Scottish Government as an important part of the country's waste management strategy.

However Cromarty Firth SNP councillor Maxine Smith, who has a High Street business in Invergordon, said yesterday, "I feel so strongly that developers should take account of the message they received from both the community they wish to impose their developments on, as well as the local democratically elected representatives who serve that area. At the planning committee we sent a resounding message to Combined Heat and Power that incinerators are not for us.

"We are working towards zero waste along with Scottish Government policy and in time incinerators will be surplus to requirements. Invergordon has suffered more than its fair share for the country at the hands of the Ministry of Defence, the smelter and other dirty industry and enough is enough.

"Now the applicant has taken this to appeal, people can object again, new people can voice their opinions and I urge them to do so - the more the merrier. They can do it by letter or email to christine.brown@scotland.gsi.gov.uk, quoting reference number PPA-270-2017. They need to do this as soon as possible. I cannot emphasise enough that each objection counts. Don't just think about it, do it. I led this refusal motion in committee and I am committed to seeing this through and will resist an incinerator in Invergordon as vehemently as I can with the help of the community council and local activists."

Fellow Cromarty Firth councillor Martin Rattray said, "I am very disappointed that the applicant has decided to appeal. I believe that the debate which took place at the hearing and lasted for seven hours resulting in the proposed development being refused by the planning committee would have sent out a very clear message. I along with my ward colleagues will be meeting on Monday to discuss how we take this forward."

editor@rsjournal.co.uk

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