Beith Biogas Plant Plans Rejected
Locals who campaigned for plans for a new biogas plant in Beith to be scrapped are celebrating today.
North Ayrshire Council rejected the proposals by Landmore Limited to built the plant at Hill of Beith farm after residents raised concerns over safety and the smell.
They started a group called Beith Locals Against Proposed Development and aencouraged as many people as possible to send objection letters to the Council.
Speaking to us before the decision Heather Tulloh who is leading calls for the proposals to be rejected by the Council told us of her worries: “There are serious safety concerns. The site is only about 350 feet away from Gateside Primary School and about 950 feet from Beith primary school.
“We’ve spoken to experts who say we will have a real problem with odour coming from it and it will pose a danger to everyone in the area – not just residents but people who are visiting.
“If something goes wrong then there is the danger of an explosion or a fire.”
After the decision the campaigners said: 'Everyone is really relieved. There was a bit of negativity in the beginning because everyone thought it was going to be approved. I'm happy for the community that the Council listened to us and they could see we care about what's happening on our back door.'
She went on to say: 'If you are unhappy about something in your community, air your views, let people know but do it in a polite way.'
A biogas plant breaks down household waste and manure to make a gas that's used as a renewable energy source.
The company now have three months to appeal the decision.
You can find details of the North Ayrshire Council's planning decisions on their website.