Campaign group says it's time to 'clear up the confusion' over the Sutherland Space Hub project
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A GROUP which opposes the plan to build a spaceport at the Mhoine in north Sutherland have criticised two supporters of the project, MP Jamie Stone and Space Port United Residents (SPUR).
Protect the Mhoine (PTM) maintain that the MP and SPUR are presenting a ‘one-sided view’ and that many of the statements they have made and which have been reported in the Press are in need of clarification.
A statement issued this week by the group revealed that members were “very frustrated” over the situation and also concerned as the £17.3 million spaceport planning application is due to go before Highland councillors shortly.
It read: “Inaccuracies and omissions abound in recent coverage of the Space Hub Sutherland project and many facts have yet to be reported. With a planning decision now possible before the end of the month, it’s time to clear up confusion.”
The group is now urging all those involved in making the planning decision to “think very carefully about the facts in this case”.
Among the claims challenged is the assertion by both Jamie Stone and SPUR that the project has the “full support of local people”.
PTM says the majority of locals have not been part of the detailed discussions and have not had an opportunity to vote. It also said that “many people” living locally were now afraid to voice a view.
The group goes on to challenge the claims that the spaceport will be carbon neutral; that its location has been chosen to avoid deep peat; that the Mhoine is not part of the Flow Country; and that there will be no adverse impact on wildlife sites.
It also addresses the claim that more than 40 jobs will be created, stating: “The reality is that information about jobs provided in the planning documents is contradictory...... the truth is that inbetween launch events the site will be largely dormant and the promised local jobs have not been accurately identified or specified.”
PTM also casts into doubt the claim that business tycoon Anders Holch Polvsen, whose company, Wildland objected to the development, said he would not stand in its way if locals were in support.
“What Wildland actually said is that if they were a lone voice of objection, then they would not stand in the way of the development,” reads the group’s statement.
“It is absolutely clear that they are not a lone voice and a significant number of the local and wider community and statutory consultees share concerns about the space hub project.”
It is understood that the planning application will go before a special meeting of the North Planning Applications Committtee on Friday, June 26.
