Individuals not to blame for Perth incinerator scandal

Jul 2 2010 by Johnathon Menzies, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

COUNCIL bosses refused to blame their own employees for the hugely-controversial Shore Road incinerator affair.

And Bernadette Malone, the local authority’s chief executive, also revealed she was unable to divulge how much it will cost to deal with the fall-out from Grundon Waste Management’s infamous application for an energy-from-waste plant on the banks on the River Tay.

The revelations came as elected members gathered at a full meeting of Perth and Kinross Council to monitor the progress of the English firm’s appeal against a PKC development control committee decision to refuse the bid, made on November 24 last year.

Grundon have since lobbied the Scottish Government’s directorate for planning and environmental appeals to reverse the decision.

The debacle, which saw the people of Perth take to the streets to voice their opposition and champion the ‘Stop the Incinerator’ campaign on November 9, prompted Ms Malone and environment director Jim Irons to commission in an dependent review into the affair.

Consultants found “major errors” were made, including a “systematic failure to embed the requirements of environmental impact assessment regulations (EIA) into development control procedures at the time of their introduction, in 1999”.

This means officers were unaware of the potential gravity of the fledgling £100m development when they granted initial outline consent.

Ms Malone told councillors: “We believed it was essential to carry out a thorough investigation into this matter, and to do so independently from our council.

“While the consultants concluded significant errors were made, they also said that no single officer was to blame.”

After fielding questions, she continued: “In the consultant’s view there was a systematic failure to introduce EIAs. Staff have since been briefed and received support.

“In terms of ascribing responsibility, this is not about any individual, but about the practice that was in place at the time within our organisation.

“We should have ensured that our practice was as good as it could be in regards to the regulations.

“I can’t give a comprehensive answer when it comes to the cost of this application.

“Clearly, what I can say, is that it has used up a considerable amount of time. Not just for the planning department, but for legal services, the depute chief executive Jim Irons, and myself.

“It’s a position we would rather have not found ourselves in and we will endeavour to do much better in future.”

No PKC staff will face disciplinary action as a result of the report, which was compiled by leading officials at East Ayrshire Council.

Earlier this month, the Scottish Government revealed that Grundon’s appeal would be determined on the basis of written submissions – and that they will not be holding a public inquiry.

A final decision is expected in the autumn.

Councillor Archie MacLellan added: “I feel it’s important to add that our current head of planning Roland Bean was not in post at the time this application was lodged, and was in no way responsible.

“And that we have confidence in our officers.”