Comment for planning application SCC/0045/23SE

Sturmer Village Hall Rowley Hill Sturmer CB9 7XF

The proposed site is not designated in the local plan for Industrial development, and is prone to annual flooding with is normally natural but also controlled. The proposed site is inappropriately located within a Flood Risk Category 3 Zone and floods annually. The Wash Lands are to protect Haverhill against flooding. It also contravenes policy HV18 'Green Infrastructure in Haverhill'. Page 65 of 'Haverhill Vision 31' states "This area should focus on conserving and enhancing the network of woodland and hedgerows (as noted by stakeholders)". The current farming practices of the owners can show no agricultural need for the process as they do not keep poultry, do not keep cattle, and currently the only maize that is grown is for pheasant cover which is used for recreational use. Around 90% of the feed stock will be imported, using the local road network and through the historic village of Sturmer. Residents object to the odour that will be obnoxious. The chosen location is inappropriate and inconsiderate. Haverhill is a growing town and this development will have a detrimental impact on local residents, particularly those in the village of Withersfield. There are currently thriving food businesses and these will be impacted by the anticipated odour and increase in insects. No consideration has been given to the short term life expectancy of generating biogas. It is anticipated that hydrogen and electrification solutions are in development.