CONSTRUCTION of a controversial energy plant on the outskirts of Haddington is now under way.
The developers of the anaerobic digester at Bangley Quarry, to the north of the town, were given the green light for the facility more than four years ago.
Now, it is hoped it could start producing renewable gas in the year 2024.
A spokesperson for Bangley Quarry Biogas Ltd confirmed that the plant would be fed with an organic mix of agricultural crops and agricultural/industrial waste products, many of them sourced from within East Lothian.
They said: “We are delighted to see our contractors on site.
“We have been overwhelmed with the local support, especially from the local farming community.
“With the increasing importance of domestic energy security, having this renewable energy facility on our doorstep is a huge positive for East Lothian.”
The initial proposals were approved in February 2018 but they split East Lothian Council’s planning committee.
At the end of lengthy discussions, chairman Norman Hampshire had the casting vote with the matter tied at 6-6.
Mr Hampshire agreed with planning officials’ recommendation and voted to approve the scheme.
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