A leading oil firm’s plan to open a new waste treatment plant in the north-east could create scores of jobs.
Baker Hughes wants to build a 16,700sq ft plant on the edge of Peterhead at Dales Business Park. The plant is expected to treat waste related to offshore drilling equipment.
The plans are part of a £10million scheme to redevelop the site, with the possibility of other divisions within the group moving to the town.
Last year the company won permission to store more than 2,000 tonnes of hazardous chemicals at the same industrial estate.
The material, including Acrolein, used as a chemical weapon during World War I, would be kept in 30ft-high tanks.
The new plant would only deal with non-hazardous waste.
A company spokesman declined to give details of the plans, but said jobs would be created if it goes ahead.
It is understood that around 100 construction workers would be expected to build the plant.
The building targeted for development, which formerly belonged to Guardian Premier Tubular Services, was previously used to store industrial materials and chemicals. A warehouse and offices are also planned.
Baker Hughes is seeking planning permission from Aberdeenshire Council.
It is now being considered by planners in Peterhead and will eventually be brought before members of the Buchan area committee for consideration.
The company has applied to run the plant 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Baker Hughes’s previous application for its chemical store was nearly rejected when it emerged it could jeopardise plans for a hotel, pub and superstore nearby.
Following negotiations with the council and health and safety officials, the oil firm agreed to cut the amount of Acrolein proposed.