The Scottish Government has upheld a decision to block plans for a biomass facility near Elgin, rejecting an appeal from Acorn Bioenergy.
The Oxford- and London-based company had proposed constructing a plant at Longmorn to convert distillery waste into biomethane, which could be used as a renewable fuel.
Acorn Bioenergy argued that the project could save approximately 27,000 tonnes of carbon emissions annually, equivalent to removing around 18,000 cars from the roads.
Moray Council’s planning committee initially denied permission in April, citing concerns over increased traffic from heavy goods vehicles on the A941, which links Elgin to Rothes and surrounding areas. Noise impact from 24/7 operations was also highlighted as a potential issue.
Following the council’s refusal, Acorn Bioenergy appealed the decision, but the Scottish Government has now upheld the rejection.
The company has six weeks to consider taking the case to the Court of Session, though any successful challenge would need to demonstrate a legal error rather than a difference of opinion on planning matters.
Scottish government blocks Acorn’s planned biomass plant
