Abattoir plan on a knife edge

Plans to build a new abattoir in the north east may have to be “reassessed” if ANM Group loses its appeal to gain planning consent for an extension to its Thainstone Business Park.

That was the message from immediate past chairman Pat Machray at the annual general meeting of the north east farmers’ cooperative earlier this week.

In August last year Aberdeenshire Council’s Garioch area committee threw out ANM Group’s plans to extend the Thainstone Business Park.

The group has since lodged an appeal with government asking that the decision be overturned.

Previously the group said construction of the new Scotbeef Inverurie abattoir was dependent on the business park extension going ahead.

Scotbeef Inverurie is a joint venture between ANM and Scotland’s largest meat processor JW Galloway. ANM holds a 25% stake in the firm.

Mr Machray, who retired from the role of chairman at the meeting, said: “If the appeal is won we will step forward immediately with everything.

“If we don’t get through this appeal the board, along with Scotbeef, will have to reassess the situation.”

ANM Group chief executive Grant Rogerson said: “Securing the future of Scotbeef Inverurie is dependent on the successful approval of the plans.”

Scotbeef Inverurie is a joint venture between ANM and JW Galloway.