Police and fire service object to Worcester food waste plant plan

Plans have been submitted to build the food digestion plant in Hidlip near Worcester

Plans to build a food waste digester, close to a joint fire and police headquarters, have received objections from emergency services.

The anaerobic digestion facility is being proposed on land in Hindlip, near Worcester in Worcestershire.

There were "real concerns" the plans would negatively impact services provided in the area, said the head of the fire service.

Applicant Stenergy said it was "surprised" by the objections.

West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) John Campion and Hereford and Worcester fire service submitted the joint objection saying the company had failed to demonstrate the area would not be "negatively impacted by poor air quality, odour, noise, and transport issues".

The plans are for land close to police and fire headquarters, Hindlip Hall

Both organisations had no prior engagement with the applicant "despite the proposed site's proximity to the sensitive operations that take place at Hindlip Park," the submission said.

A planning statement, submitted to Worcestershire County Council in January, stated the proposed works at Court Farm, Hindlip Lane, included the demolition of buildings before the construction of an Anaerobic Digestion Biomethane Plant (ADBP).

'Renewable sources'

The facility, at the site of a former agricultural college, would process about 48,500 tonnes of commercial and household food waste, converting it into "green biogas" to help heat homes and businesses in and around Worcester, it said.

Plans for the energy site have been submitted to the county council

Mr Campion said: "It is disappointing to see that a planning application has been submitted for such a substantial site, with no regard for how the work carried out there will impact an operational police and fire headquarters.

"Within our objection we have made clear that we do not support these proposals unless clear evidence can be provided that would negate our concerns."

Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service said it was "fully supportive" of the objection as one of the tenants which would be "adversely affected by such a development".

Worcester Stenergy, said it had consulted widely via two pre-applications and no objections were raised.

"We are seeking to proactively assist Worcestershire local authorities meet their environmental requirements, developing a partnership which will significantly enhance the county's green credentials," said a spokesperson.

"The plant will offer energy from clean, renewable sources and will operate well within the environmental regulations for odour and noise."