Holyrood scrutiny of controversial energy park is demanded

Perthshire MP wants ministers to review decision on former Westfield site

Approval for a massive energy park on the border between Fife and Perth and Kinross could be scrutinised by the Scottish Government.

Ochil and South Perthshire MP Luke Graham wants ministers to review the decision by Fife Council to give the green light to Hargreaves Services to regenerate the former Westfield opencast site into a light industrial hub and solar energy farm.

Concerns have been raised on both sides of the border about the environmental impact of the complex.

In particular, locals in Kinross have suggested the town and its surroundings could bear the brunt of increased activity without seeing the economical benefits from the scheme.

Now Luke Graham, MP for Ochil and South Perthshire, has called on the Scottish Government to scrutinise Fife Council’s decision.

He said: “Although I support the redevelopment of the site, I stand firmly behind Portmoak community council, the local Perth and Kinross councillors and Liz Smith MSP in calling for the administration in Edinburgh to review this planning decision.

“Development is good, but not if farmers and communities across Kinross-shire are bearing all the costs and environmental impact.

“We don’t want to hold Fife back, I hope the minister can help to mediate to make the development work for both communities.”

Of particular concern to Perth and Kinross communities is the effect on the B9097 road alongside Loch Leven.

Campaigners fear hundreds of lorries could use it daily to access the M90 and have suggested the reopening of local rail links.

Earlier this month, local MSP Mark Ruskell described the proposals to establish a gas-fuelled power station at Westfield as “cynical”.

He claimed the application went against the developers’ claims of making the site environmentally friendly.

However, Hargreaves disputed the claim, saying that the power station was necessary to allow construction to take place.

The developers have said that the completed site could bring 1,500 full-time posts, on top of the 1,000 jobs created during the construction phase.

Development is good, but not if farmers and communities across Kinross-shire are bearing all the costs. LUKE GRAHAM MP