Comment for planning application SCC/0045/23SE

22 Raine Avenue Haverhill CB9 9QF

To: Andrew Rutter andrew.rutter@suffolk.gov.uk Dear Sir I want to register my objection to the proposed anaerobic digester at Spring Grove Farm, Haverhill. I feel very strongly that the site proposed is in the wrong place, very close to residential and commercial areas and very close to West Town Park where I walk regularly, and which is a great amenity for the town now in danger of being spoiled forever. This area is known for its great beauty and tranquillity, and there are many birds such as kingfishers, owls, buzzards, herons, falcons sparrowhawks and much else. There are few places in Haverhill where there is such a lovely green area where ne can go and walk and enjoy such beautiful sights. This will be ruined if these plans go ahead. I have been a resident of Haverhill for many years and I have been very pleased to see the town grow and become a centre for innovation. The Epicentre is a really good example of this, attracting high quality technology businesses and jobs and really improving the image of the town. Now all this is under threat because of a wholly inappropriate industrial facility that will bring no benefit to the town (the 5 jobs it says it will create will be offset by job loss from businesses leaving the Epicentre and other commercial premises, the huge impact on the Flying Shuttle and White Horse pubs, the nursery which is very close to the site. The plant will pollute the area with noise, unpleasant smells, and unnecessary traffic. We will be forced to put up with: Big increases in the number of lorries, on roads and tracks which are already crumbling The unpleasant odours meaning we will not be able to enjoy outdoor open spaces, even our gardens, There will inevitably be flies and vermin attracted to the awful smells and by-products created by the process Thre is a risk of explosion - as we saw with the recent lightning strike in Oxford on an AD plant - as well as a risk of methane leakage (many of these types of plants record regular methane leakages), Light and noise pollution at all times of the day and night, Risk of flooding of and chemical and sileage spills into the Stour Brook and West Town Park. The destruction of local wildlife in and around the area, The site proposed for this awful plant is designated as agricultural, and this development is clearly industrial The proposed plant will only cause harm if it is in the current location. I am not against green technology, but it has to be in the right place, and away from residential and commercial activity. Otherwise, the harm is too much - on the health and safety of people, on the landscape, on the cleanliness of the water, and on the future of Haverhill. Please ensure that this proposal for an industrial waste plant is not inflicted on Haverhill. It will be a blight for everyone and bring no benefit whatever to the area.