Variation of conditions 2, 3 and 8 attached to 14/01398/MAW dated 19/12/2014 (for installation of an anaerobic digestion plant) to alter the site layout and increase the quantity of feedstock accepted at the site.

In accordance with his declaration at Minute 79 Councillor Paul Wynn left the table, did not take part in the debate and did not vote on this application.

The Principal Planning Officer introduced the application for the variation of conditions 2, 3 and 8 attached to 14/01398/MAW dated 19/12/2014 (for installation of an anaerobic digestion plant) to alter the site layout and increase the quantity of feedstock accepted at the site 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.  During his presentation the Principal Planning Officer reported the need for an additional condition in relation to odour management, an amendment to condition 19 so that it referred to no more than one digester tank and the deletion of the first paragraph of condition 21.  He confirmed that the applicant had made a voluntary contribution towards the costs of maintaining the highway but as this did not meet the tests for a Section 106 obligation advised Members this should not be given weight in the decision.  

Julia Gallacher, on behalf of local residents spoke against the proposal in accordance with Shropshire Council’s Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees.

Councillor John Sinnott, on behalf of Whitchurch Town 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 Gerald Dakin, 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 their statement, the following points were raised:

·         The applicants were a large local employer with a national reputation who had spent a great deal researching the proposals and who would not want to risk their reputation;

·         Requested that condition 15 be strengthened to protect against any potential for malfunction and to determine who the responsible body would be.

In accordance with her declaration at Minute 79, Councillor Peggy Mullock made a brief statement and then left the table, took no part in the debate and did not vote on this item due to perceived bias. 

Nick Williams 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 Principal Planning Officer responded to concerns raised by local residents, the Town Council and the local member, by confirming that with a robust set of planning conditions, as well as many other internal checks, operations at the site would be very well managed to ensure that there would be no harmful effects on the environment or the residential amenity of those living near to the site.  It was suggested that the local ward councillor be involved in the detailed wording of condition 15, relating to the amenity complaints procedure, to ensure that local concerns were addressed.

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 granted in accordance with the Officer’s recommendation, subject to a legal agreement delivering off-site landscaping and subject to the conditions set out in Appendix 1, amended as follows:

·         An additional condition to require an Odour Management Plan;

·         The local member to be consulted on any application to discharge of Condition 15;

·         An amendment to Condition 19 to refer to no more than 1 digester tank; and

·         The removal of the first passage from condition 21.