Comment for planning application SCC/0045/23SE

47 High Street, West Wickham, Cambridge, CB21 4RY

While I accept and approve of alternative and green energy supplies, and encourage and support these, I strongly oppose and object to the planning application, ref SCC/0045/23SE, on the following grounds: 1) Location: The proposal is for an industrial facility in a rural location. The proposed activity on the main site is not suited to the nearby residential homes, commercial offices and rural location, and the remote lagoon's proximity to my village and parish is of great concern. No serious consideration has been made by the applicant for suitable alternative locations for this activity. 2) Traffic: During peak times in June/July the applicant has advised that there will be almost 150 additional lorry/tractor movements per day. The local roads already struggle with tractors, trailers and heavy vehicles rattling through our quiet mainly residential village through this period, and have been damaged and severely broken up by the existing farm traffic illustrating that the local access roads already are unable to cope with the weight and volume of the vehicle (South Cambs Highways ref 437191 and 437188). 3) Environmental and Flood Risk: The applicant has falsely claimed there is no increase to flood risk, yet has not submitted a Flood Risk Assessment: a) The main site is designated Flood Zone 3, indicating a high probability of flooding. b) Its proximity to Stour Brooke, which according to the Environmental Agency is prone to flooding, will likely result in environmental pollution and damage during periods of flooding. 4) Environmental Impact: The proximity of the main site to Stour brook and the edge of West Town Park threatens both wild habitats and public space. The site of the remote lagoon is close to Cadges Wood, an ancient woodland, where NH3 pollution will be increased to 50% of critical level and 39% critical load already, without an Environmental Study and commitment to monitor the levels and ensure they are not exceeded. Wild habitats and public space, should be protected as well as historical rural and agricultural ties. 5) Visual Impact: Contrary to the applicants statement that the huge site 'does however appear rural in nature', the facility would be highly visible from the nearby roads and EpiCentre, as well as the upper floors of local houses, and would result in a visually incongruous and intrusive urban form of development that is completely out of character with the surrounding open countryside and rural landscape. The applicants comments are not credible. Proposals for alternative energy supplies such as a solar farm have already been refused, appealed and appeal dismissed near the location of the remote lagoon (South Cambs Planning Ref 20/01564/FUL) for similar reasons. 6) Local Benefit: The only local benefit from the site for our area will be the spent digestate from the composting process for farms owned or managed by the same estate. All of the biogas, natural gas and LPG produced will be exported and used out of the area. There will be little or no opportunities for new employment of local people.