Comment for planning application SCC/0045/23SE

Bumblebee Cottage 1-2 Hollow Hill Withersfield, CB9 7SH

Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing to express my objections to the above planning proposal for a Bio-digester plant at Spring Grove Farm. I live with my family in Withersfield, opposite the White Horse Inn, on the corner where Skippers Lane meets Silver Street. Haverhill is where we shop, are members of the gym and socialise with friends. At least twice a day we drive down Silver St and onto the A1307 past the EpiCentre to do the school run, as well as shopping and going into Cambridge. For the reasons detailed below, I have grave concerns about the impact such a plant would have not just on my family, but the wider community and the environment. The proposed site is situated on quality grade agricultural land at the 'Gateway to Haverhill' and would be the first thing visitors and prospective investors/businesses would see (and smell!) as they approach the town. The proposed site would be impossible to ignore as it is huge both in footprint and height. It is extremely close to a residential estate, pub ,supermarket, public footpaths and is just 600 metres from the EpiCentre, a business centre with a caf which is encouraging businesses to invest in our town. The proposed site sits on the edge of West Town Park, an area popular with dog walkers, joggers and families out for some fresh air. The proposed industrial waste facility would have a negative impact on all of these groups. Being so close to a residential area, if there were to be an incident such as the recent explosion at a much smaller plant in Oxfordshire, the effects could be catastrophic. The proposed site is on a Flood Risk Category 3 Zone. In 1956 there were devastating floods which engulfed Haverhill. The 'Wash Lands' which encompass the proposed site were constructed to protect Haverhill from flooding. Building on the highest risk flood zone would jeopardise the defences that have been put in place to protect the local community. With the rainfall in recent days partially submerging fields and flowing onto the A1307, it is clearly evident that the area is at high risk of flooding. As well as affecting the community, building on a flood zone clearly impacts the environment, not least The Stour Brook. The applicant's proposed measures would not mitigate the serious risk a plant of this size and type, on this site would pose to contaminating a water source that feeds into Essex and Suffolk. There is also the devastating impact such contamination would have on the wildlife in and around the brook. It is my understanding that the applicants need to submit a Flood Risk Assessment. The proposed site would generate unacceptable levels of air, noise and light pollution. At public meetings the applicants have been deliberately vague and deflected questions about the odours produced by such a plant. This leads me to believe that the plant won't always be able to contain malodours and will mean local residents won't be able to leave windows open and enjoy their gardens. Pollution would also be created by the increase in traffic necessary to feed the plant. This would not only affect local residents who the applicants admit would be able to see the site from upstairs windows, but drivers using the A1307. The applicants have advised that in June /July there will be an additional 148 lorry/tractor movements every day. It is my understanding that proposed developments that generate significant levels of movement must be supported by a transport assessment or plan so that the impact of the proposal may be accurately assessed. I note that the applicants have not submitted such a Travel Plan. The application states that where possible existing farm tracks will be used and that farm vehicles from Thurlow Estate vehicles will use existing estate tracks which offer "direct access" to the proposed site. This is inaccurate, as the tracks would at some point need to cross either Skippers Lane, Silver St, Hollow Hill or the Horseheath Rd. These are narrow, rural roads without pavements, and I have serious concerns for the safety of the many pedestrians, dogwalkers and cyclists that currently use them if the site were to be built. On a personal level, living in a Grade 2 listed building in a Conservation Area, I have serious concerns for the wellbeing of my home and family with up to 148 huge lorries thundering past in close proximity seven days a week. I am also worried about the impact of such noise and air pollution on the village pub which is the hub of our community and employs many local people. I feel that it is also significant to note that an application earlier this year by the Vestey Estate for an upgraded farm entrance (DC/23/0572/FUL) stated that the application was for farm use only and not for commercial and waste purposes. This application was strongly opposed by the local community who suspected it was an underhanded way of building infrastructure to support Acorn's plans. The applicants state that the site will provide employment benefits for the local area. It will employ 5 people. I strongly suspect that this figure will be negated by the number of employees leaving the EpiCentre and other local businesses if permission for the site were to be granted. I recognise that as a nation we need to consider alternative energy supplies, but strongly feel that this is the wrong location for a plant of this type and size. There is no evidence that the applicants have seriously considered alternative locations. The town of Haverhill will suffer all of the inconvenience and detrimental effects of having such a site in its gateway but reap none of the benefits. Acorn advise that all the energy produced by the plant will be transported miles away, apart from the spent digestate that will be used by Vestey farms. For these reasons as well as for the good of Haverhill and the mental and physical wellbeing and safety of the local community, I strongly object to this application and would urge you to reject it. Kind regards, Katie Byrne