Waste energy scheme approved despite objections (From Ledbury Reporter)

Waste energy scheme approved despite objections

7:00am Monday 21st January 2013 in News

WASTE and crops from a Herefordshire farm will be used to generate the business’s power and heat after controversial plans were approved by councillors.

The renewable energy idea at Little Pengethley Farm near St Owen’s Cross will see two digester tanks, about 20 feet tall, being used to produce bio-gas.

The energy will be produced from a mix of on-site poultry litter, vegetable waste and energy crops.

Opponents of the scheme told Herefordshire Council’s planning committee last week that they feared a rise in accidents close to St Owen’s Cross should traffic increase – a claim refuted by some members.

“We have heard quite a bit about accidents but we have not heard anyone say they are caused because of this operation,” said Councillor Dave Greenow.

“With regard to noise concerns, unless you are five or 10 metres away you cannot hear this thing because it is in a sealed container.

“I don’t think there will be any adverse affect on the neighbourhood.

Almost 30 letters of objection had been sent to planners.

Other concerns included the visual impact of the digester and a flooding risk.

But addressing the committee, objector William Lyons said he felt there was a “democratic deficit” in the evidence.

“Despite the overwhelming level of objection from nearly every single resident in the area and despite undeniable road safety risks, our rights to our future quality of life are being dismissed and would be sacrificed by this unseemly and ill-thoughtthrough pursuit of alternative energy targets in this county,” he said.