Total’s dormitory plans welcomed

SHETLAND North councillor Alastair Cooper has welcomed Total’s plans to build an 800 bed accommodation block at Sella Ness for workers building its £500 million gas processing plant.

As chairman of Delting Community Council, Mr Cooper has already seen the plans for a two storey, H-block style building, which will be erected in stages and then dismantled once the job is over in 2014.

Describing the designs as “functional”, he welcomed the fact that the huge dormitory block will include a full suite of leisure facilities, including a bar, as it will encourage the workers to stay on site and reduce the likelihood of “friction” with the local communities.

The erection of a workers’ camp brings back memories of the 1970s when BP was building Sullom Voe Terminal, but this project will be a fraction of the size. Back then initial plans to accommodate 1,200 workers mushroomed to house another 2,400.

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However there will be a boost to the local economy in terms of jobs for ancillary staff and business for local suppliers.

“It should make good money for a year or two. The UK is going into recession and in Shetland we are going to need other work to replace public sector jobs,” Mr Cooper said.

Oil company Total, who are behind the plans, will have to meet stringent environmental checks on waste water and sewage as Sullom Voe is one of Shetland’s most protected environments.

Consultants Archial Planning will be holding a public meeting to consult on the plans for the accommodation block at Brae Public Hall on 25 May between 10am and 4pm, and again from 6pm to 8pm, with a presentation at 7pm.