Forestry Commission replies to questions

We recently wrote to Rob Soutar of the Forestry Commission asking for information about proposals for a waste incinerator at Arecleoch Forest, South Ayshire. In particular we asked for a copy of the Contract Award Notices (CAN), that notify the public about the award of a contract to a successful tenderer, including the price and the reason for the selection. This is Mr Soutar's reply:

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There was no Contract Award Notice (CAN) or reference to the Official Journal of the EU (OJEU) because this was a leasing exercise not a procurement exercise.   The railhead lease was offered at "peppercorn" subject to all costs being born by the developer.  Only two companies submitted detailed applications and Ashby Scott won the competition as their vision for the railhead and associated plans were considered to be more advanced and more likely to be achieved. The panel could only award the opportunity on the basis of the proposals for the railhead and any further developments on the site will be a matter of planning and engagement with the local councils and community.
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