Installation of an on farm Anaerobic Digestion plant and associated infrastructure, for the production of both renewable heat and electricity.

The Technical Specialist Planning Officer introduced the application for the Installation of an on farm anaerobic digestion plant and associated infrastructure, for the production of both renewable heat and electricity and confirmed that the Committee had undertaken a site visit that morning to assess the impact of the proposed development on neighbouring properties and the surrounding area. Members’ attention was drawn to the information contained within the Schedule of Additional letters which contained reworded conditions 9 and 12 and recommended an additional condition in relation to external lighting.  Further comments from the Public Protection and Highways Officers were circulated along with a replacement condition 7. 

The Chairman drew Members attention to comments that had been circulated on behalf of local residents of Lower Heath as it had not been possible for a representative to attend and speak at the Committee. 

Councillor Paul Gill, on behalf of Prees Parish Council spoke against the proposal in accordance with Shropshire Council’s Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees.

In accordance with the Local Protocol for Councillors and Officers dealing with Regulatory Matters (Part 5, Paragraph 15.1) Councillor Paul Wynn as local ward councillor, made a statement and then left the table, took no part in the debate and did not vote on this item. During his statement, the following points were raised:

·         He was pleased to note that traffic passing the school would avoid pick up and drop off times, therefore ensuring pedestrian safety in the area;

·         Any lighting should face downwards so as to fit in with the topography of the surrounding area, particularly Fauls Green; and

·         The bund should be as high as possible, to include evergreen trees to ensure screening during the winter months.

Jack Spurway, Agent on behalf of the applicant spoke in support of the proposal in accordance with Shropshire Council’s Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees.

The Technical Specialist Planning Officer responded to a number of concerns raised during the ensuing debate, confirming that the local public highway network was of a standard that could adequately cope with the proposed development without requiring any improvement, the estimated number of trips was a figure based on an average over the course of a year and so it did take into account seasonal fluctuations.  In response to question, the agent confirmed that the landowner had indicated that they would be happy to extend the traffic management plan to be implemented over the entire operations at the farm. Members welcomed this however the Technical Specialist Planning Officer clarified that this could not be enforced under the anaerobic digester consent.

Having considered the submitted plans and listened to the comments made by all of the speakers, Members unanimously expressed their support for the proposals.

RESOLVED:

That planning permission be grantedin accordance with the Officer’s recommendation, subject to the conditions set out in Appendix 1, an additional condition to require prior approval of external lighting and amended Conditions 7, 9 and 12 as detailed in the Schedule of Additional Letters.