Comment for planning application SCC/0045/23SE

North Avenue Haverhill

I wish to object to the proposed development of an anaerobic digester at Spring Grove Farm, Haverhill. The site proposed is wholly inappropriate for many reasons, but not least that its operation will pollute the area with noise, unpleasant smells and unnecessary traffic. This plant has the potential to discharge methane. Studies over the last 8 years of 964 plants in the UK and Germany found that 85% of the plants were suffering from biogas leakage, described in litres per hour. A quarter of these leaks were deemed significant in terms of their leakage, 50% had minor leakages and the remainder were considered medium. When calculating the methane discharge attributed to these leaks, this means 200 plants are emitting 1,000 litres of methane per hour! Methane is considered to be 34 times more potent than CO2 as a greenhouse gas. The cause of the bad odours is rotting vegetation and poultry waste. These materials, by their nature, attract vermin and flies. Flies especially are attracted to this type of organic waste, but, unlike vermin, are also likely to travel away from the source. There is a high probability of infestations from both species within a 1km radius. Also we are trying to attract new businesses to the town especially at the new Epicentre only a very short distance from the proposed site. They commissioned an independent odour specialists who have confirmed that this is highly likely to be impacted by the foul odours. Already a company within the Epicentre space is likely to move their business. Proceeding with this plant will drive businesses away. Working at one of the close by business to this proposed site, any breaks or lunch time walks that I go on around the reservoir will be spoilt from the foul odour and from a visual impact. Putting trees up will not mask the height of this project. Leaves fall in Autumn so for 6 months of the year it will be easily seen. Meldham Washland, often referred to as the reservoir will be spoilt. Dog walking and running/walking will not be able to be enjoyed. This is also a flood storage reservoir to protect the town. With the amount of concrete that is needed to build this site will prevent the natural absorption and where will it run - it will fill our streams and the river stour taking with it hazardous materials from the proposed site and potentially polluting the water courses. The impact on local wildlife will be catastrophic. The flood park is an area hugely popular with the residents of Haverhill, being, as it is, one of the main green areas used for recreation. In the event of a successful application, its use will almost certainly be lost. Evidence of recent flooding of the area can be viewed on the Muck Off Acorn website and Facebook page. It has published many photos of flooding around the area of Spring Grove Farm on its web site and Facebook page; the risk of flooding should not be allowed to be easily dismissed. With the 1307 already at breaking point with the size of Haverhill and the amount of people who commute on a daily basis to Cambridge we cannot risk increasing further traffic with HGVs and slow moving vehicles that will try to join a 60 miles an hour road and utilise the roundabout as a turning point. It is leaving residences and road users exposed to further fatalities and a risk to life not to mention the light pollution, vibrational noise from a 24/7 site. Currently myself and local residents enjoy in the summer months sitting outside the Shuttle and The White Horse pub - this enjoyment will be taken away with a foul smelling odour! This is not the right location for an Industrial Plant!