Concern at proposed green energy plant's proximity to village
PROPOSALS to build an anaerobic digestion plant near Cuffley have sparked concerns among villagers.
Plans have been submitted to Hertfordshire County Council to build the ‘green’ generator at Cattlegate Farm, Cattlegate Road which is south of the village and a few hundred metres from Cuffley School.
The plant would operate on a 24-hour basis using feedstock to generate one megawatt of energy per day, enough to power 3,000 homes.
It would also hold a composting facility, which would provide organic fertiliser for use by farmers in the area.
The power plant and composting facility combined would involve around 40 lorry movements per day.
On discovering the plans, Northaw and Cuffley Parish Council held an urgent committee meeting last Tuesday to discuss its position.
Chairman Cllr Adrian Prest said: “The parish council has been inundated by residents wanting to find out about it and the majority of them are highly concerned. They do not want this near their village.”
He added: “The proposal is considered to be entirely inappropriate in terms of its proximity to the village and the traffic it will generate.
“It would also involve industrial, not agricultural, usage within the nearby Green Belt, which is highly
valued.”
Councillors are also concerned about its close proximity to the primary school and village amenities.
“The possible smells and even pathogens could be dangerous to health, and being so close to a school and elderly persons’ home, playing fields, a children’s play area and sports clubs, all add to the case against such an installation being approved,” said the chairman.
“We believe, from our research, there are only a handful of digesters in the country and the ones that do exist are in isolated spots – not so close to houses.”
He feels that both the council and residents were not given enough notice by planning officials.
“We were only given two weeks to make our feelings clear. We do not feel this is adequate time,” said Cllr Prest.
However, a county council spokesman said: “There was an error with the date sent out and residents have until October 3 to respond to the proposals.
“All responses received after that date will however still be considered.”
The council has produced leaflets outlining the proposal and has distributed them to households throughout the village.
Cllr Prest added: “People had heard bits and were confused – there was a lot of misunderstanding so we made the decision to produce the leaflets and inform people of what was going on.”
Jason Grocock, the parish council’s clerk, has sent a letter to Herts County Council, formerly stating the council’s objections against both the composting facility and the plant.
The parish council is urging anyone with views on the proposal to write to the county council.
Alternatively emails can be sent to spatialplanning@hertscc.gov.uk.
-
The latest green advancements and decisions being made in your area
-
The latest gadgets, gizmos and technological news
-
A guide to making your home and garden as eco-friendly as possible