The Scottish Borders Council (SBC) has announced it is not continuing with its plans to build an integrated waste management facility near Galashiels.
The local authority had been in discussions with New Earth Solutions since April 2011 regarding the plant, but said after a "detailed and thorough review", the 24-year contract would not go ahead.
The £2.4m project would have been constructed at Easter Langlee and aimed to divert a large proportion of waste from landfill, as well as create renewable energy from waste.
Planning permission for the development, as well as the latter stages of the operational permit application process with SEPA for a renewable energy plant had been reached. It had also achieved a permit for mechanical treatment of waste and the production of refuse-derived fuel.
However, the council has said "significant changes" have been made with regards to Scottish waste policy and regulation since the contract was signed, in addition to project-specific issues in terms of technology and funding.
The implementation issues were not able to be resolved by the parties involved and on Thursday (19 February), the unanimous decision was made to approve a report recommending the termination of the contract.
SBC has said it will now carry out a review of its Integrated Waste Management Strategy, ensuring its waste services are fit for purpose and financially sustainable in the long term.
Councillor David Parker, Leader of the Scottish Borders Council, said: "Both the Council and New Earth have put in considerable effort to overcome issues related to the integrated waste management facility project, but ultimately time ran out to find a resolution.
"The Council thanks New Earth for the close working relationship both organisations have had since April 2011.
"Despite this setback, SBC is as committed as ever to providing Borders' residents with a waste service which meets Scottish and EU targets, and is also sustainable for many years to come."
Darren Stockley, Managing Director of New Earth, added: "New Earth was delighted to have been awarded the contract by Scottish Borders Council in 2011 and we have invested considerable resources in developing the project.
"We have worked closely with the Council's project team on delivering an innovative solution, but some of the challenges were taking too long to resolve.
"New Earth wishes the Council every success with its future plans to reduce waste, increase recycling and divert waste from landfill. New Earth remains committed to providing sustainable waste treatment services to local authorities and the commercial sector at our six operational facilities."
(JP/MH)
Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Latest Construction News
26/11/2024
Scottish Water has unveiled its largest-ever procurement initiative, aiming to modernise the nation's water and wastewater infrastructure while safeguarding the environment. The program, named Delivery Vehicle 4, is valued between £5 billion and £9 billion and is set to run from 2027 to 2033, with ...
26/11/2024
The City of Edinburgh Council has granted planning permission, subject to conditions, for the refurbishment of Calton Square, an office building currently occupied by Baillie Gifford until the end of December 2025. Promoted by Ardstone Capital on behalf of Manova Partners, the project aims to ...
26/11/2024
First Minister John Swinney, MSP for Perthshire North, praised the progress being made on the construction of the new Perth High School during a visit on Friday, 22 November. He was joined by Jim Fairlie, MSP for Perthshire South and Kinross-shire, alongside senior Perth and Kinross Councillors, ...
26/11/2024
A state-of-the-art playpark has officially opened at King George V Park in Bearsden, following the completion of a £100,000 refurbishment. Funded by a combination of East Dunbartonshire Council (EDC) Capital Funding and the Scottish Government’s Renewing Scotland’s Play Parks initiative, the ...
26/11/2024
Fife Council has launched a public consultation, inviting residents, businesses, and organizations to contribute ideas and propose sites for inclusion in the next Local Development Plan, known as Fife's Place Plan. The council is calling on community councils, landowners, and developers to share ...
26/11/2024
The Chief Executive of East Lothian Council has announced she is to retire in February 2025. Monica Patterson who has been Chief Executive for almost five years, has spent most of her professional career working in local government. Prior to joining East Lothian Council in 2010, she was Head of ...
25/11/2024
West of Scotland Housing Association (WSHA) and Connect Modular have jointly submitted a planning application to Glasgow City Council for the development of 33 affordable homes in Cowlairs. This project aligns with the wider Cowlairs Park regeneration scheme and the city's ambitious housing ...
25/11/2024
Arc-Tech (Scotland) has successfully completed a £6m Mechanical and Electrical (M&E) services package for the Lost Shore Surf Resort in Edinburgh. The state-of-the-art resort, which opened its doors earlier this month, features a range of amenities, including a wave pool, luxury lodges, and ...
25/11/2024
Scottish Water has successfully completed the construction of a groundbreaking hydro energy generation scheme at Whiteadder Reservoir in East Lothian. This innovative project, believed to be the first of its kind in Europe, will harness the power of water to offset a significant portion of the ...
25/11/2024
Work is set to commence on a £6.5 million project to upgrade the Double Dykes Gypsy/Traveller site near Perth. The initiative aims to replace outdated chalets with modern, energy-efficient accommodation and implement significant site improvements. Perth & Kinross Council secured £3.9 million from ...