Meat processing plant impact assessment not needed

An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has been ruled unnecessary for a multi-million pound expansion by an English meat processing firm into Scotland.

Shropshire-based Pickstock wants to build an abattoir close to the A74(M) near Ecclefechan in Dumfries and Galloway.

The council decided an EIA was not needed but a letter on behalf of local villagers asked the Scottish government to examine that stance.

It has concluded that the issues raised do not call into question the decision and the study of the potential environmental effects is not required.

Pickstock unveiled its plans for the area earlier this year.

It said they would create up to 60 full-time jobs and reduce travel time for animals currently being taken to its facility in Telford.

Dumfries and Galloway Council was asked to assess if an EIA was needed and concluded that it was not.

It prompted a submission to the Scottish government on behalf of local residents to reconsider that view.

They said there had been no review of the "likely significant effects" on the likes of light pollution, flooding and traffic.

The submission also claimed there had been a failure to consider the potential "human health impacts" of the proposals.

However, the Scottish government's Planning, Architecture and Regeneration Directorate (PARD) concluded there was no reason to overturn the council's decision.

It said the local authority was entitled to take the view that with the mitigation measures being proposed the development would not have "significant adverse effects" on the environment.