Plans for Aspall wastewater facility a 'no-brainer' as permission granted by Suffolk County Council

Plans for a brewery wastewater treatment facility have been deemed a 'no-brainer' as permission was granted.

West Lay Limited's bid for a new non-hazardous wastewater treatment facility on land north of the Cyder House, in Aspall, near Debenham, was up for discussion during yesterday's meeting of the county council's development and regulation committee.

The plans were for five filtration and absorption ponds and two small wind turbines to serve as the primary treatment facility for liquid waste generated by Cyder House, the operational premises of Aspall Cyder & Vinegar.

Cllr Matthew Hicks, representing the area, said the proposals would be 'a real benefit' for residents of Debenham and Eye by reducing the numbers of lorries and providing flooding and environmental improvements.

He said: "Aspall is a really valued local company — it has been there for hundreds of years, it has grown, it has developed, it has moved forward, they've always tried to build as being part of that community.

"Of course, it's difficult being in a really rural area with a growing business, but this, to me, seems to be a positive to the site and a positive to neighbouring villages."

According to the report, the development is meant to address a surplus of wastewater over and above what can be treated onsite.

As it stands, surplus wastewater needs to be removed by tanker and treated at off-site facilities — as many as 1,100 such tankers were needed in 2023, some travelling as far as Basildon.

The company expects the project to be delivered as early as September or October.

Cllr Andrew Stringer said: "This seems like a very sensible, natural solution to an industrial problem, so why would you not want to do this — frankly, it's a no-brainer."

Councillors agreed to back the plans unanimously.

This means the facility will be able to accommodate enough wastewater to not only meet the current requirements but also allow for future expansion in production.

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