Construction of a 499kw Agricultural Anaerobic Digester to produce renewable energy from on-site generated waste and energy crops.

The application was approved in accordance with the case officer’s recommendation.

The Principal Planning Officer gave a presentation on the application and updates / additional representations received following the publication of the agenda were provided in the update sheet. She drew Members’ attention to an error in the update sheet under sub heading ‘para 6.15’ and advised that the second sentence should refer to accidents up to 2005 and not accidents since 2005.

In accordance with the criteria for public speaking, Mr Lyons, representing a number of the local residents, spoke in objection to the application and Mr Williams, the applicant’s agent, spoke in support. Mr Davis, Chairman of Hentland, Ballingham and Bolstone Group Parish Council also addressed the Committee; he raised some concerns in respect of the application but was broadly in support of it.

In accordance with paragraph 4.8.2.2 of the Council’s Constitution, Councillor RB Hamilton, one of the local ward members, commented on a number of issues, including:

·         The local residents had raised a number of concerns in respect of the application, these included:

•       The accuracy of the report had been questioned.

•       The application should be refused in line with the Locality Act as the majority of local residents opposed it.

•       There were concerns over the time taken to bring the application to Committee.

•       Why could the Anaerobic Digester not go on the applicant’s other site.

•       Some objectors felt that the applicant had mislead the Committee in respect of the plot size.

•       It was also considered that the traffic data provided was inaccurate and misleading.

•       It was also believed that the swale was added to the application at a later date to ensure that the application was initially treated as a smaller site.

•       Concern was raised that although the proposed Anaerobic Digester was just under 500kw it would be increased in the future.

•       There was concern that the report had been written in a way to mislead the Committee.

•       The qualifications of some of the professional consultees had also been questioned.

•       Concern had been raised in respect of some of the measurements contained within the report.

•       Some of the local residents felt that the AD plant should not be within 1000 metres of a residential dwelling.

•       The issue of flooding had also been raised by local residents.

•       The vehicular movements contained within the report were disputed.

•       The figures in respect of accidents on the A49 were also disputed.

•       Odour from the AD plant was an issue that had also been raised.

•       Health concerns had been raised with particular reference made to a local resident who suffered with asthma.

•       The lack of a site management plan had also been raised.

•       The Environment Agency had confirmed that even if planning permission was granted a licence may not be granted for the operation.

·         Councillor Hamilton then took the opportunity to share his own views with the Committee, he advised that:

•       He had listened to all sides and considered that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 124