The Scottish Government has been accused of shying away from an opportunity to rule out a proposed £100 million energy-from-waste incinerator in East Ayrshire.
On Thursday, circular economy minister Lorna Slater set out a statement confirming Holyrood will accept all recommendations from an independent review into the role of incineration in Scotland.
But she ducked away from addressing the future surrounding the specific proposals for Ochiltree.
She did say the Scottish Government "does not support the development of further municipal waste incineration capacity in Scotland" but added there would be "very limited exceptions" in new ones coming on stream.
In his report, waste expert Dr Colin Church recommended a cap on future capacity.
However, question marks remain over the proposed incinerator at Killoch.
Behind the proposals are Barr Environmental who were previously granted planning consent for an energy-from-waste facility, using gasification technology.
Now they want to update that consent through an updated planning application in order to make use of more energy efficient ‘moving grate’ technology; that converts waste into ash, flue gas and heat.
Although Dr Church recommended a cap on ‘new’ incinerators, Barr Environmental’s proposal pre-dates the review, although they do seek ‘fresh’ consent to make use of updated technology.
Barr Environmental say the new facility will “safely, cleanly and sustainably” manage up to 166,000 tonnes of non-recyclable waste each year and generate enough electricity to meet the needs of 40,000 homes. The cost of the facility is expected to be more than £100m.
They insist the proposals have “already been established” as “a suitable location” for an energy-from-waste facility, due to their “existing planning consent.”
But the plans have come under fierce opposition from the local community who are concerned over the potential impacts to people’s health and the environment.
Last year, a team of health professionals issued a warning that the incinerator plant in Ayrshire would “hasten the deaths of local residents for decades to come.”
South Scotland Labour MSP Carol Mochan pressed the circular economy minister for an answer on the proposed incinerator site at Killoch, but was told ministers “cannot comment on any proposed development”.
Ms Mochan said: “I find it incredible that I cannot get an answer out of a minister from the Scottish Green Party on plans to develop damaging incinerators right here on our doorstep.
“I completely understand why campaigners are fed up with this process and feel that, despite their honest efforts, there is a lack of fairness and honest dealing.
“Nonetheless, we absolutely will prevent the construction of this incinerator."
Annie Hood, from the SAY NO group which has waged a long-running campaign against the proposals, said: “The circular economy minister said that they are accepting all of Dr Colin Church’s recommendations and that they will not be building anymore capacity.
“But then she says if the local authorities choose to pass the ones still in planning, then they must then be passed to the Scottish Government to call in.
“Does this mean that they will then say no? Or does it mean that they will then decide if it gets passed or not?”
She added: “It looks like we’ll have to fight on.”
A notification direction remains in place, requiring local authorities to alert ministers of new planning applications that involve incineration facilities.
Ms Slater said the Scottish Government was putting in “sensible measures” to limit and reduce the country’s incineration capacity, adding: “Reducing waste and recycling what we do produce is key to tackling the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity and ensuring we all enjoy a healthy environment.”
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