A CONTROVERSIAL waste energy plan in Whiteinch has been called in by government ministers – to the surprise of even the business itself.

Nearly 1,000 objections have been made against the WH Malcolm plan for their site in South Street, which includes a 230ft chimney to “gasify” waste.

Glasgow City Council rejected the planning application in February, against the advice of their own planners. WH Malcolm appealed and a reporter was appointed by the Scottish Government.

The reporter was originally meant to publish their recommendation by the end of July, but with the case now called in, ministers could take an extra two or three months before they issue a decision.

The planning and environmental appeals division (DPEA) of the government stated in its notice: “The appointed reporter will produce a report and make recommendations in order for the final decision to be taken by Scottish ministers.”

Members of community councils of Yoker, Whiteinch, Scotstoun, and Jordanhill along with the residents associations of Victoria Park and Harland Cottages accompanied the reporter to voice their continued opposition in the summer.

Glasgow Anniesland MSP Bill Kidd, one of the many vocal opponents of the scheme, told The Post: “The news that the proposal for an incinerator and its 200ft-high chimney, which WH Malcolm want to build here on the Clyde, has been called in by Scottish Government ministers is great news for those of us who strongly oppose this development.

“That such a potentially polluting plant should be proposed right in the middle of one of our most heavily populated communities is not something that is welcomed by anyone who lives in Whiteinch or in any of the surrounding areas on either side of the river.

“I am putting in a submission to the minister for local government emphasising the strength of the opposition to this proposed development.”

WH Malcolm insists the project is not an incinerator but would turn waste currently sent to landfills into power and heat by treating rubbish at temperatures up to 1400C to produce a gas.

An extra 15,000 vehicles a year would access the plant, which would take waste 24/7.

A spokesman for WH Malcolm said: “We are surprised by the timing of this decision but remain firmly convinced about the merits of the facility and look forward to the outcome in due course.”