Today we questioned Vickram Mirchandani, director of Coronation Power, over the criticism from the Community Council. Our questions and his replies are shown below. You can comment using the comment box at the foot of the page.
Question: In the article, the Chairman of the Community Council Wendy McCombes says the company that hosted the event, Arcus Consulting, didn't have sufficient knowledge to answer people's concerns such as proximity to the existing substation, lorries passing, landscaping, noise, security, lighting and the batteries themselves. Also there were no new pictures or 3-d images. Do you think there is a case for another consultation?
Answer: I do not believe there Is need for another consultation. The planning application will be submitted and it will provide all the information that necessary for the planning officers to come to a judgement on the acceptability of the issues and to determine the application. Any member of the public who wants information on this project can easily access the planning application and READ it. If they still have unanswered questions, I would be happy for them to write to me and I will respond. This has always been an option for them.
Question: If you decide to hold a second consultation, will you hold it in a venue with better access (some people couldn't make it up the stairs)?
Answer: We are not planning to hold a second consultation. The venue we selected for the first exhibition was deemed the most appropriate for the site in question.
Question: Mrs McCombes is quoted as saying that the town has struggled against industrialisation for decades and that local organisations have being trying to make the town look less industrial. Is this a fair comment?
Answer: Wendy is entitled to her own opinion. I had a colleague attend the exhibition incognito, talk to the local residents, and the feedback was that most people are in favour of the project.
Question: Mrs McCombes says that all but one of the feedback forms said people were unhappy with the proposals. What will Coronation Power do now to reassure people that its proposals won't be detrimental to Coupar Angus?
Answer: This is not the information that I received. On the contrary, my feedback is that most people were curious, came to learn more, and ended up satisfied.
Vickram Mirchandani can be contacted at [email protected]