NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Use 25 November 2009 CONSERVATIVES AGAINST THE INCINERATOR Perthshire Conservatives have welcomed the decision by Perth & Kinross Council Development Control Committee to refuse the planning application for the incinerator in Perth. Mid-Scotland & Fife Conservative MSPs Murdo Fraser and Liz Smith and Conservative Westminster Candidate for Perth & North Perthshire Peter Lyburn attended the six-hour long Development Control Committee and spoke against the proposals in the meeting. Perth and North Perthshire Conservative Candidate Peter Lyburn said: “The decision to throw out this application is a welcome step. The people of Perth have finally been listened to. It is a shame that the SNP/Lib Dem administration has allowed it to get this far. “It's like dealing with a weed. Last night, we took the head off the weed but we have not killed off the roots. As every good gardener knows, the weed will keep raising its ugly head until the roots are dead. The Council must do all it can and quickly to remove outline planning for an incinerator on shore road.” Murdo Fraser MSP said: “I welcome the decision to refuse planning permission for the incinerator and it is a victory for Perth and for common-sense. The Council must listen to the people of the Fair City and now see off the incinerator proposal at the full meeting in December. “I would like to pay tribute to the members of Bridgend, Gannochy & Kinnoull Community Council who have worked so actively to highlight the irreversible damage that this incinerator will bring to Perth if given the go ahead. I thank them for all their hard work and campaigning on behalf of the local community and Perth as a whole.” Liz Smith MSP said: “Quite apart from the entire City of Perth being so strongly opposed to the prospect of an appalling eyesore visible across most of the City skyline and the unacceptable noise pollution, there is considerable anger that the Planning Department of Perth and Kinross Council, has been forced to admit on public record so many errors when it comes to the management of the planning process; something which has led to a serious breakdown in public trust. That is not good news for Perth City or the image of the council as we approach the historic 800th anniversary and that is why there will be an overwhelming sense of relief at the recommendations from the planning committee.” ENDS   back to top of page