Agenda item

Adam Duguid, the applicant, commented as follows:-

·         This was the third digestate lagoon supporting the Anaerobic Digester   plant at Hemswell Cliff.

·         The lagoon was the same size as the current lagoons.

·         The current lagoons had operated successfully.

·         There was a local source of crops/food waste which, from a farming aspect, was ideal for the operation of the lagoons.

·         The digestate would be supplied to the lagoon by an above ground pipeline although there was now the potential for part of this to run underground *.

·         A pipeline meant that it would not be necessary to use HGVs to transport liquid waste from the Anaerobic Digester to the lagoon.

·         A neighbour who had objected to a previous planning application for a lagoon on his land now supported this application because odours had proven not to be a problem as they had feared.

The applicant responded to questions from the Committee:-

·         Following a query about the length of the pipeline above ground, the applicant indicated that this would be 2.5km, (not l.5km as previously described*).

·         How much of the digestate was proposed to be used on the land? The applicant stated that it was proposed to use all of the digestate on his neighbour's land.

·         What type of cover was proposed for the lagoon? The applicant stated that the cover was similar to covers used for swimming pools and that it would be sealed.

·         Leak prevention measures would be needed where the pipeline passed near the drain. The applicant stated that the pressure in the pipeline was constantly monitored and any reduction in pressure was investigated, adding that while there was a risk of leaks 97% of the digestate was water based and non-hazardous.

·         What safety measures were in place to prevent members of the public falling into the lagoon? The applicant stated that it was proposed to install a high fence around the lagoon and to put signs up warning the public. The applicant stated that hydrogen sulphide collected on the surface of the lagoon was dangerous.

·         A Member stated that similar safety measure had been installed at the applicant's two other lagoons and no issues had been reported.

·         Was 10 days sufficient time to pipe digestate to the lagoon? The applicant stated that three to four weeks was more ideal as two weeks was tight and added that piping did not take place at night.

·         Was the fencing capable of keeping out larger animals? The applicant confirmed that the fencing prevented larger animals like deer and foxes entering the lagoon.

Officers confirmed that the 1.2m high fencing provided suitable protection, that the lagoon was not located near to any Public Rights of Way and that it was the local Parish Councils that had raised concerns about potential environmental issues not the Environment Agency.

(* It should be noted that the application as submitted did not propose the installation of an underground pipeline and therefore if the applicant did propose to do this, separate consent would be required.

Comments made by the Committee included:-

·    Councillor Mrs M J Overton on moving the recommendation in the report requested that any burst pipe should be conditioned to protect the local drain. Officers stated that it was not possible to remove all risk and that there was a condition to ensure that the pipeline was fit for purpose. Officers stated that there were no restrictions on the spreading period (covered by regulations) and no restrictions on pumping to give maximum flexibility. Officers added that conditions were in place to cover the pipe going underneath the highway and the design and specification of the pipeline.

·    A Member noted that it was proposed to carry out pumping during the daytime when more people were about and leakages more noticeable.

On a motion by Councillor P A Skinner, seconded by Councillor S R Kirk, it was –

RESOLVED (unanimous)

That planning permission be granted subject to the conditions detailed in the report.