What we are objecting to...
Acorn Bioenergy Ltd have applied for planning permission to construct and operate an anaerobic digestion plant on land currently occupied by Spring Grove Farm, owned by the Thurlow Estate and situated next to the A1307 just outside both Haverhill and Withersfield.
The 11-hectare plant would be used to convert farming waste such as rye, oat, maize and grass sileage, straw and poultry litter into gas for heating and transport.
Whilst anaerobic digestion can be a good way to use waste to create biofuel, it needs to be done efficiently and responsibly.
That means siting and operating plants on land that can’t be used for much else and avoiding negative impact on the local environment and the local population.
This is not what would happen here - we believe the site is too close to existing residential areas, would significantly impact travel & traffic, and could negatively affect the local environment.
Latest News
Presentation from Public Meeting
The slides from our latest public meeting (Friday 20th Oct) are now available to download and view. They list the major points of objection, along with useful links to the planning portal, policy frameworks and other information.
Site of proposed digester
Why we say 'No' to an Anaerobic Digester!
- Hundreds of lorry movements through Withersfield Village EVERY week
- Increased air pollution and traffic on the A1307
- Industrial sized unit built on a flood plain
- Delivery of lorry loads of chicken manure to the edge of town
- Risk of significant smell across the entire town
- Possible limitation of future development plans
What this could mean for you & your family...
- Reduced property values
- Longer travel times
- Possible respiratory/allergy health issues
- Reduction in wellbeing benefits from spending time outdoors as a result of increased noise pollution and unpleasant odours
- Increased risk of adverse environmental impact, including pollution of waterways
How you can help...
This is an issue that affects communities, businesses, and organisations in Withersfield, Hanchett, The Arboretum, and Haverhill. We will need your support to defeat this proposal.