Concerns raised on open-air compost proposal
Environment campaigners including Friends of the Earth have raised strong concerns about plans to create an open-air composting facility at Northampton's sewage works.
Anglian Water has submitted plans to the West Northamptonshire Development Corporation (WNDC) to create the composting plant at the sewage works in Lower Ecton Lane, Great Billing.
The development would mean two existing concrete bays on the site being used to make compost out of waste from the works and imported green waste.
The plan has attracted mass criticism from people who live and work close to the works, who have complained about smells from the site for a number of years.
But documents which will be shown to the WNDC's planning committee next week also reveal the Northamptonshire branch of Friends of the Earth have opposed the development.
In a letter submitted to the WNDC, the group said: "Firstly, we are highly concerned about the odour and health issues impacting on local residents."
They added: "We would also like to draw your attention to the fact that unenclosed anaerobic composting releases considerable quantities of the potent greenhouse gas, methane, into the atmosphere."
Other groups who have opposed the plan include Ecton Parish Council, Cogenhoe and Whiston Parish Council, Billing Parish Council, Ecton Brook Primary School and the campaign group Campaign for Lower Ecton Action Now (CLEAN).
But in his report on the proposals, WNDC planning officer Andrew Ryley said he thought the development should be approved.
He said: "The proposed development would lead to the recycling and composting of green waste and biosolids and is therefore consistent with the Government's sustainable waste management objectives."
He added: "The application would not lead to the adverse impact on amenity for adjacent or nearby residential and commercial occupiers."
A final decision on whether the development can go ahead will be made by the WNDC's planning committee on Tuesday.
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