Bressingham anaerobic digester gas plant plans to be decided upon
Campaigners opposed to a controversial gas plant in Bressingham are cautiously optimistic after a leading planning officer recommended that the application should be refused.
Coming hot on the heels of former Prime Minister Liz Truss objecting to the proposal, planning officer Tim Barker made his recommendation to South Norfolk Council, with the plans set to be ruled on next week.
His report echoed the myriad of concerns put forward by groups and individuals opposed to the plans for Deal Farm, which have so far garnered 363 public comments of objection, and 61 in support.
In his report, Mr Barker noted: “It is not accepted that the quantity, source and means of delivery of the feedstock could be controlled in a manner that would not have an unacceptable impact on the highly constrained local highway network.
“It is also not accepted that the development would be appropriate to the identified features of the local landscape character area, even when taking into account the mitigation measures proposed.
“As a consequence, it is considered that there are significant adverse impacts which outweigh the benefits of the renewable energy provided, along with any other benefits.
“Furthermore, it is not considered that the impacts can be made acceptable.
“Given that much of the development has already been carried out, should members be minded to refuse the application, officers’ consideration to appropriate enforcement action and timing of this will be given.”
Under the plans, the plant in Kenninghall Road would use a process called anaerobic digestion, by which organic matter, such as animal or food waste, is broken down to produce biogas and biofertiliser.
It is considered to be one of the best ways to recycle food waste and deal with farm waste and sewage sludge.
Every tonne of food waste recycled by anaerobic digestion as an alternative to landfill prevents between 0.5 and one tonne of CO² entering the atmosphere.
Hazel Dormer, a resident of nearby Fersfield and a lead campaigner, said she was optimistic ahead of next week’s meeting.
She said: “This recommendation feels like a big step in the right direction and we are all now holding our breath and hoping that South Norfolk Council sees sense.
“We want plants like this situated on arterial roads, so that we can use our rural roads for walking and cycling in a functioning community, and not be scared to use them.”
Listing reasons for his recommendation, Mr Barker added: “The highway network serving the site is considered to be inadequate to serve the development proposed.
“If permitted, it would be likely to give rise to conditions detrimental to highway safety and would not give safe and suitable access.”
An initial application for the anaerobic digester gas plant was submitted in 2015 and was approved, however, the resulting construction was deemed to be so different to the plans that work was halted.
The most recent application, submitted in 2021, proposes to keep the existing structures in place, with a plan to operate the plant at half capacity – a point which has called in to question its viability, should approval be granted.
South Norfolk Council will consider the plans on Wednesday.