OBJECTORS to a planned incinerator told Scotland's Planning Minister of their fears about the plant in an hour-long meeting.

They are campaigning against the bid by Shore Energy to build a pyrolysis plant between Carnbroe and Shawhead in Coatbridge.

They went to Holyrood to meet Derek Mackay, who has promised to re-examine the decision-making process.

The project had been turned down by North Lanarkshire Council, but was later approved by the Scottish Government after the company lodged an appeal.

Mr Mackay has the ministerial power to revoke the go-ahead for the plant, which would deal with up to 160,000 tonnes of non-hazardous waste.

He met local politicians and representatives from the group Monklands Residents Against Pyrolysis Plant and said he would look again at the appeal process.

Coatbridge and Chryston MSP Elaine Smith said Mr Mackay did not justify the go-ahead.

He said: "He said he would take into consideration a number of issues around the process of the hearing."

Changes to regulations came into force about the time of the appeal hearing, which protesters believe put them at a disadvantage.

Ms Smith said the minister listened carefully to objections from campaigners, but she is not convinced victory is on the horizon.

She said: "I'm not confident. He has the power to revoke the scheme but it has never been done. But I remain hopeful because it can be done."

Shore Energy says waste sent to the 3.6 hectare site will be sorted to recover material suitable for recycling.

What cannot be used again will be used as fuel in a process involving pyrolysis, a high temperate heat treatment for organic material, to generate electricity for the National Grid.

A decision is expected next year.

gordon.thomson@ eveningtimes.co.uk