THE fate of controversial plans to increase the height of a landfill hangs in the balance after government ministers ordered an environmental survey on the site. 

An assessment will now be carried out on Patersons of Greenoakhill to determine the impact the proposals could have on the local area. 

Bosses at the End End waste centre want to extend the height from 48 metres to 64m due to an impending landfill ban in Scotland being pushed back to 2025.

READ MORE: Fresh stink over plans to increase Glasgow Patersons landfill size

The proposals have been criticised in the likes of Mount Vernon and Broomhouse, but Patersons chiefs argue it will only affect a small area of the existing site. 

Lesley Pollok, chair of Mount Vernon Community Council, said: “I am absolutely delighted with this decision.” 

The Scottish Government move comes after Glasgow City Council planning chiefs requested an environmental impact assessment (EIA) was carried out on the site. 

Glasgow Times: Planning minister Kevin Stewart Planning minister Kevin Stewart

This was rejected by the applicant, who took the decision to ministers. 

But officials have now backed the local authority, meaning Patersons will have to conduct the EIA and submit this as part of their application. 

READ MORE: Patersons of Greenoakhill submit plans to increase Glasgow landfill size

Once submitted, there will be a four-month period for making comments.

Planning minister Kevin Stewart said: “Having considered that the nature, scale and location of the development could give rise to potentially significant effects on the environment and residential amenity, the Scottish Ministers have issued the developer with a Screening Direction stating that an Environmental Impact Assessment is required.

"As the planning application remains live, it would be inappropriate to comment further.”