The Scottish Government has upheld Moray Council’s decision to reject plans for a biomass facility near Elgin, turning down an appeal by Acorn Bioenergy, reports Bioenergy Insight.
The Oxford- and London-based company had proposed building a plant at Longmorn to convert distillery waste into biomethane, a renewable fuel. Acorn Bioenergy claimed the project could cut carbon emissions by about 27,000 tonnes each year — the same as taking around 18,000 cars off the road.
However, Moray Council’s planning committee denied approval for the project in April, citing concerns over the expected increase in heavy vehicle traffic on the A941 route connecting Elgin to Rothes and nearby areas. The committee also raised issues about noise from round-the-clock operations.
After the council’s refusal, Acorn Bioenergy appealed to the Scottish Government, which has now confirmed the original decision.
The company has six weeks to decide whether to take the matter to the Court of Session. Any further appeal would need to prove a legal mistake rather than simply dispute the planning judgment.
