£30k out of pocket

Jenny Foulds • Published 10 Nov 2009 09:00

AFTER building his home from scratch, a retired joiner says he could be left £30,000 out of pocket due to Aggreko's new £20m super factory.

Devastated Alastair Grant has lived in his cottage for nearly 50 years, which is now destined to have the massive plant built on its doorstep.

Alastair has been told that he faces thousands being wiped off the value of the cottage due to the plan, which was approved by the council last week.

The global energy giant has been given the go-ahead to move its manufacturing plant to the Lomondgate development, opposite Mr Grant's home, Brakenhurst Cottage.

He told the Reporter: "My house is mine and my wife's pension, and we need the price of it to remain as high as possible.

"But after speaking to an estate agent, we've been informed that a substantial part of that value will be taken off it due to this."

His cottage sits next to the electrical substation between Dumbarton and Bonhill.

The 65-year-old has lived in his Dumbarton home with his wife for 43 years, and retired four years ago without a pension - relying on the value of his property to sustain them.

He added: "I know it's a vital thing to have Aggreko in the town, but it's too big for where it's going to be and it's far too close to the road.

"Also, the A813 is not going to be suitable for the amount of extra traffic this is going to bring, and the factory itself is going to be like having an aircraft hangar on my doorstep.

"The old J&B site would be ideal for it."

Aggreko, a key player in the area's economy, was given permission to move its manufacturing operation from its current home in Broadmeadow Industrial Estate in Dumbarton to the Lomondgate site, which is owned by the Strathleven Regeneration Company.

A spokesman for the Aggreko said: "Aggreko fully understands the objecting homeowner's concerns, but the land on which it is building is designated for industrial use.

"The company has worked closely with its neighbours and intends to continue to do all it can to alleviate their concerns and to minimise the effect on their homes."

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This article appeared in Dumbarton & Vale of Leven Reporter 10 Nov 09

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