Comment for planning application SCC/0045/23SE

1 Cross Close, Haverhill, Suffolk

I would like my objection noted regarding the Planning Application - SCC/0045/23SE - the Construction and operation of an anaerobic digestion facility, associated infrastructure and new access road, connecting pipeline and covered digestate lagoons at Land to the north of Spring Grove Farm, Withersfield, Suffolk, CB9 7SW I speak on behalf of the residents of the Haverhill Cangle District, which a part of in Haverhill North feels significantly affected by the proposed development. I also represent the many residents in Haverhill West who are similarly horrified at the proposal. This site is inappropriate for the location of a such a large anaerobic biodigester facility for a variety of reasons. The A1307 is a very busy road with a history of high frequency casualty incidents for an A road. The huge increase in the quantity of HGV's traveling to and from the site will cause chaos. Not only ingress and egress but also around the Spirit of Enterprise Roundabout that will have to be used by traffic wanting to travel to Milton Keynes but having to turn left out of the site. There is a severe lack of detailed information on traffic flows and the lack of information on the increase of traffic flow during Harvest. A harvest period which could be 6 months of the year depending on the crops supplied means and extended effect on the highways that will excessively impact the already busy A1307 and impinge on all road users for much of the year. This land floods and does so on a regular basis. We are experiencing increased amount of severe weather events, and this proposed plant should not be anywhere near a water course where there is any risk no matter how small of pollutants entering the Stour Brook It is clear the processes used means that there will be significant odour from this plant. The Epicentre is an important development in Haverhill for new and growing businesses. The odour from this plant will prevent businesses wanting to use the Epicentre. Housing is uncomfortably close to the plant. Other examples of Biodigesters are in localities much more remote than this. Its proximity to other businesses and residential areas, make this site inappropriate for this sort of development. This site is going to dominate the landscape and ruin what is a green corridor important to Haverhill's Gateway and set out in the Haverhill Vision as an important area for the gateway to Haverhill. Whilst some shielding might be possible from the road, the colossal size of building will be viewed from Meldham Washlands ruining the green amenity and leisure value this site currently provides. This development will dominate the landscape in an area of natural beauty. The Thurlow Estate is huge and there are other possible locations that would not have such an impact on the surrounding area. I am concerned that there will be excessive noise form vehicles manoeuvring, with reversing beeps which will be clearly audible by residents at nighttime. In addition to traffic movements, this site will be lit up at night and the resultant light pollution will dominate the evening landscape. There is an argument to be made for Anaerobic Digesters in the right location. They can be developed at sites that do not negatively impact on the surrounding Highways infrastructure, nearby business and communities, and threaten the local ecology and spoil the appearance the locality important to so many people. Many proposed sites meet these criteria, but this one does not and does not have my support or the people I represent. Yours Sincerely Cllr Joe Mason