Market Drayton sheds power plant clears big hurdle
An energy plant planned for the Shropshire countryside has overcome a major hurdle after the Environment Agency said it had no objections to the scheme.
The agency has said it has no causes for concern for the anaerobic digester, which would be built by chicken sheds at Hollins Lane in Woodseaves, near Market Drayton.
It comes despite residents claiming the plant would lead to an increase in noise and dust and affect people using the Shropshire Union Canal.
Shropshire Council received about 10 objections about the impact on the environment and traffic.
Mark Davies, a planning specialist for the Environment Agency, said: "We have no objections to the proposed development."
He added there was a low fluvial flooding risk and that the proposed site was not close to any sites of special scientific interest.
But in a letter to Shropshire Council, Jocelyn Peach, of Tyrley, said: "Goods vehicle noise and pollution travelling across the field track/road from the proposed site to meet the Hinstock/Market Drayton Road needs to be considered.
"If granted then overall site noise levels and dust levels need to be restricted along with restrictions for the hours of arrivals and departures by heavy plant and vehicles. Potentially there are health implications due to fly infestations."
Resident John Knight said: "This stretch of the Shropshire Union Canal is amongst the most popular and beautiful in the entire canal system, and the enjoyment of thousands of canal users would be significantly impaired."
Applicant HLW Farms wants to build the plant to process chicken litter as well as crops to make enough electricity to become self-sufficient.
