Viridor responds to the Portobello road-to-rail refusal

Posted 9 Jun 2010

9 June 2010

Scotland’s largest recycling, energy recovery and waste management company, committed to investing up to £800m in Scotland over the next five years, today (9th June, 2010) commented on the refusal of planning permission by Scottish Ministers for a proposed road-to-rail waste transfer station at Portobello, Edinburgh.

Commenting, Colin Paterson, Viridor’s Scottish Regional Director, said:

“Viridor is clearly disappointed with the decision by Scottish Ministers to refuse the road-to-rail waste transfer station. Whilst officials recognised the urgent need for new waste infrastructure and dismissed many points made by the objectors, it is frustrating that the visual impact of an industrial type building in an industrial location has ultimately led to the refusal.

“It’s a bitter blow on the very day the Scottish Government launched its Zero Waste strategy which extends national targets to include business waste and is clear both on the need for ‘next generation’ facilities, and for private sector investment to turn the policy into practice. As Scotland’s leading recycling and waste management company, Viridor has committed to the challenge by announcing investment of up to £800m in Scotland over the next five years. It’s hard to believe therefore that the Scottish Government has allowed the planning system to stall development again. We simply can’t go on like this.”

In relation to further steps, Mr. Paterson added:

“Viridor remains committed to supporting sustainable domestic and commercial recycling and resource management in Edinburgh. As such, we will reflect on this decision and our options in due course.”

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