Following ScottishPower’s recent public information days in Athelstaneford and Prestonpans regarding proposals for Cockenzie Power Station, the company has announced that is also intends to send an overview of the scheme to every house in the local community. Whilst the recent sessions were very well attended the company wants to ensure that anyone who could not attend, or does not have access to the project website, will be able to view information on the plans.
After the initial community meetings in June, ScottishPower had said that it would come back to the community with more detailed proposals. Following months of in-depth studies, the company outlined plans for the new gas station on the site of the existing power plant, and showed a preferred route for the gas pipeline during the public exhibitions.
Richard Escott, Head of Project Development at ScottishPower, said: “We would like to thank residents for taking an interest in our project and coming along to hear the facts and share their views. There has been a lot of speculation about our intentions, but we have always made it clear that in-depth studies were needed before we could responsibly set-out full details of our plans.
“The feedback we have had was, in the main, very positive. Of course, there was a mixture of views, but we were heartened to hear many people say that once they had heard the facts about the project, their opinions had changed.”
One of the main areas of discussion was the project’s approach to local history, archaeology, conservation and wildlife. At the meetings, ScottishPower outlined the work that it had been doing in each of these areas.
On history and archaeology, the company has recruited Glasgow University Archaeological Research Division, who are recognised experts on the Battle of Prestonpans, to ensure that this site and other sensitive areas are treated with the respect that they deserve. With regards to wildlife and conservations area, extensive environmental studies are being undertaken, where there is regular consultation with organisations such as Scottish Natural Heritage, Marine Scotland and SEPA to ensure the environment is protected.
ScottishPower are planning a further community information day in the near future. Meetings have also now been planned with East Lothian Council and the Community Councils ahead of submitting both planning applications for the new station and the pipeline to the Scottish Government in November.
Media Information: Paul Ferguson, 0141 566 4515 / 07702 665 924