MP is leading objections on Shropshire biomass plant

Keith Wilson, of HLW Farms, has applied for planning permission to retain 17 biomass boilers at Old Springs Farm near Market Drayton.

The 11-megawatt biomass boiler plant was installed to heat floors within the agricultural buildings for the purpose of drying miscanthus (elephant grass) crop produced on the farm’s land.

A proportion of the output is also used to heat office, residential, and workshop space at the farm. Loggerheads Parish Council has objected to the planning application and Sir Bill Cash MP has agreed with the views and submitted a letter of objection in support of local residents.

A total of 38 letters of objection have been submitted to Newcastle Under Lyme Borough Council.

Mr Cash said: “The proposals will provide a scale of industrial processing which is wholly inappropriate for such an otherwise unspoiled rural location – and thereby have a negative impact on the nearby residents in my constituency.

“The 17 flues are industrial looking and out of character for the rural location and traditional farm buildings.

“In terms of road usage and HGV movements, many of the Almington and Tyrley properties are close to the road. HGV vehicles changing gear, for example, will create noise and pollution. Vehicles operating unsociable hours will disturb sleep and residents amenity.

“I am informed that all of the routes allowing access to the site are single track with very few or no passing spaces and no pavements and many blind bends.

“The HGVs and tractor trailers cause traffic hazards and associated air pollution and road and verge damage.

“The surrounding lanes are widely used by walkers, cyclists and equestrian traffic and the levels of HGV traffic to Old Springs pose unacceptable risks.”

Nearby resident Patrick Hay, who lives in Tyrley, said: ““There is a distinct lack of information accompanying the application.

“There are no local public benefits from this application by the creation of any full-time or part-time jobs but instead predominant local public disadvantages.”

A planning document submitted in support of the application says: “The proposal is to regularise the installation of renewable energy biomass boilers at Old Springs Farm. They biomass boilers are contained within existing farm buildings and structures and as such visual impact will be acceptable.

“Renewable heat will be produced to predominantly dry miscanthus crop produced at the farm. There will be no unacceptable negative impact on amenity, built heritage or natural assets.”