This week Charlotte Nichols MP met with Severn Trent Green Power to raise concerns about proposals to build an Anaerobic Digestion Plant to the east of the A49, off Highfield Lane in Winwick.
Severn Trent Green Power currently have 10 food waste anaerobic digestion plants in operation across the UK. These work by turning food waste into renewable gas, which can be used to power homes and businesses.
Charlotte says: “I have recently met with representatives of Severn Trent Green Power to raise the concerns residents and I have about the proposed Anaerobic Digestion Plant in Winwick.
In summary, residents and I are primarily concerned about potential odour from the site, traffic, the appearance of the site and local archaeology.
Given that the site will be processing food waste, it is valid that there is a concern about potential odour from the site. When I raised this with Severn Trent Green Power they informed me that once trucks containing food waste enter the site, they enter a ‘reception building’ where the waste is transferred into a below ground hopper. During the transfer, the doors of the reception building are closed sealed to prevent odour escaping. Any odourous air generated within the building is treated through an air treatment system. Vehicles are washed and sanitised once finished at the site. In addition, the tanks and digesters silos are regularly checked for leakage.”
“Any site such as this will likely increase levels of traffic. During the hours of operation, the site will attract around 60 vehicles per day (around 5-6 vehicles on average per hours of operation on weekdays). The HGV route will be along A49 Winwick Link Road for motorway access. HGVs will not be travelling down Myddleton Lane or Waterworks Lane into the centre of the village, or down the eastern part of Highfield Lane. I know that parts of Winwick already suffer from high volumes of traffic. Therefore Severn Trent Green Power have advised that following the recent public event they are reviewing highway routing.
“I asked Severn Trent Green Power about what measures they will take to reduce the visual impact of the site. They said they plan on establishing a new woodland and hedgerows, in addition to boundary planting and visual screening.
In terms of archaeology – there is a bowl barrow on the site which is a designated scheduled monument by Historic England. Severn Trent Green Power have shown me a map of the plans and this piece of history will not be impacted. In addition, the site of the Battle of Winwick will not be affected.
I appreciate concerns about the proposal will remain which I share, these concerns must be addressed. I can assure residents that I will continue to ensure Severn Trent Green Power stick to their responsibilities and their promises to reduce the impact on residents throughout the planning process.
Following this meeting I still want to see for myself an operational site and I plan to go on a visit in due course. Severn Trent Green Power have extended this invitation to residents and are eager for people to see the operation of an existing site. I would encourage all residents who have concerns to take up this invitation.
“Severn Trent Green Power are yet to submit a formal planning application. If they choose to submit a planning application, residents will be able to submit their views.”
Severn Trent Green Power have committed to funding the trip for residents who would like to visit. For those who would like to visit an existing site, please contact Severn Trent Green Power using the following contact details: [email protected]
Spaces on the visit are limited. They will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Priority will be given to those who reside closest to the site. Full details of the visit will be released in due course.
