WASTE from across Scotland could be transported to the proposed new energy recovery plant at Killoch.

East Ayrshire Council confirmed that the temporary scrapping of the “proximity principle” ment increasing capacity would take priority.

The council had previously aimed for a minimum of 90 per cent of waste treated or disposed of in new waste facilities in the area would originate in Ayrshire.

Up to 37,500 tonnes of waste could be treated at Killoch from outwith the region.

There have already been numerous objections to the plans including NFU Scotland.

In their complaint to the council, NFU Scotland said: “There are a number of issues that have either been overlooked or misinterpreted by the applicant’s agent in the submitted planning support statement.

“It is considered that the proposal and planning support statement fail to adequately address potentially significant impacts upon local businesses and farmers.”

NFU Scotland highlighted the increased lorry traffic, noise and potential impacts on the landscape as being overlooked in the plans.

Michael Keane, Head of Planning and Economic Development at East Ayrshire Council said: “Whereas previous advice to planning authorities was to direct new waste management facilities to locations which are close to the source of the waste, the current advice has been updated to take account of the commitment, to significantly reduce the volume of waste going to landfill.

“The temporary setting aside of the proximity principle does not imply that impacts such as noise, odour, dust, vermin, air quality and transport are not assessed as normal.

“Our planning service will prepare a detailed report for the planning committee which will assess all aspects of the proposed development.”