PLANNING STATEMENT - Northamptonshire

PLANNING STATEMENT

PLANNING APPLICATION FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN ANAEROBIC DIGESTION FACILITY AND ASSOCIATED OPERATIONAL PROCESSES TO

REPLACE PREVIOUSLY APPROVED IVC FACILITY

BLACKPITS BARN, HELMDON, BRACKLEY, NN13 5QD

MATERIAL CHANGE LTD July 2011 Version 2 Final

GP PLANNING LTD PLANNING STATEMENT

M004-01 Planning Statement / NM 07/07/11

CONTENTS 1 INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................. 1

1.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................ 1

1.2 Application Documents ................................................................................................................ 1

1.3 The Site and Its Surrounding Context ......................................................................................... 2

2 THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT ......................................................................................... 4

2.1 Proposed Development................................................................................................................ 4

3 PLANNING CONTEXT .......................................................................................................... 9

3.1 Planning History .......................................................................................................................... 9

3.2 Planning Policy ............................................................................................................................ 9

3.3 National Policy ............................................................................................................................. 9

3.4 Regional Policy .......................................................................................................................... 14

3.5 Local Policy................................................................................................................................ 14

4 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS ............................................................................. 21

4.1 Landscape and Visual Amenity .................................................................................................. 21

4.2 Noise ......................................................................................................................................... 21

4.3 Highway and Traffic Impacts ..................................................................................................... 22

4.4 Ecology...................................................................................................................................... 23

4.5 Trees and Hedges ..................................................................................................................... 23

4.6 Surface and Groundwater .......................................................................................................... 23

4.7 Air Emissions and Dust .............................................................................................................. 23

4.8 Archaeology .............................................................................................................................. 24

5 PRE APPLICATION CONSULTATION ................................................................................ 25

6 CONCLUSIONS .................................................................................................................. 26

APPENDICES APPENDIX 1: Validation Checklist

APPENDIX 2: Technical Specification, Agraferm Technologies

APPENDIX 3: Planning Permissions

APPENDIX 4: Catchment Area Statement

APPENDIX 5: Planning History

APPENDIX 6: Landscape and Visual Amenity Appraisal

APPENDIX 7: Noise Assessment


M004-01 Planning Statement / NM 07/07/11

APPENDIX 8: Highways and Traffic Appraisal

APPENDIX 9: Habitat and Protected Species Survey

APPENDIX 10: Flood Risk Assessment


M004-01 Planning Statement / NM 1 07/07/11

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Introduction

1.1.1 The applicant (Material Change Ltd) seeks to gain planning permission for an Anaerobic Digestion (AD) facility to be constructed at Blackpits Barn, Helmdon, in order to generate renewable energy to be used on site, within the local area, and also to be supplied to the National Grid.

1.1.2 Blackpits Barn is an established waste transfer and composting site, which has been developed in recent years as a farm diversification project. The scale of the waste related business has grown to meet the demand to facilitate the diversion of waste from landfill.

1.1.3 Planning Permission (SN/07/0394) was granted in March 2007 for the construction of an Anaerobic Digestion plant to treat 15,000 tonnes per annum of wet food waste to produce gas which was to be utilised for the production of heat. The permission also facilitated the construction of an In-Vessel Composting (IVC) plant to treat approximately 15,000 tonnes of dry food waste (and green waste where it is mixed with the food waste).

1.1.4 Planning Permission (07/00059/WAS) was granted in December 2007, which permitted the erection of three buildings for the collection and transfer of dry recyclables, and the processing of non-hazardous, biodegradable waste. The proposed development will utilise one of the buildings for waste acceptance and processing procedures linked to the proposed AD facility.

1.1.5 This application seeks to build upon the precedence established by permission SN/07/0394 with regard to the construction of an Anaerobic Digestion facility to produce renewable energy. This application seeks to replace the approved IVC building and alter the technology provider for the Anaerobic Digestion facility consented by permission SN/07/0394. A new silage clamp is proposed in order to allow the use of locally sourced energy crops. The tonnage processed will remain as previously consented.

1.2 Application Documents

1.2.1 A range of supporting documents has been formulated in relation to the planning application. They are as follows; M004-01 Planning Statement M004-01 Design and Access Statement

GPP/MC/H/11/01 Site Location Plan GPP/MC/H/11/02 Site Plan GPP/MC/H/11/03 Site Layout Plan GPP/MC/H/11/04 Site Planning Permissions GPP/MC/H/11/05 Illustrative Catchment Area Plan GPP/MC/H/11/06 Photopanels GPP/MC/H/11/07 Annotated Aerial Photograph GPP/MC/H/11/08 Landscape Plan 16771/003 Elevations and Details



1.2.2 The list of documents provided to meet national and local level requirements are set out in

Appendix 1.

1.3 The Site and Its Surrounding Context

1.3.1 The site is located south of the B4525 down an access road of approximately 320m in length. The site is in the parish of Helmdon, in the District of South Northamptonshire. The planning application site includes the old farm buildings and land to the west, south and east, shown on drawing GPP/MC/H/11/03 Site Layout Plan. This area is surrounded by agricultural land owned and farmed by Mervyn and Douglas Humphrey. This is illustrated on drawing GPP/MC/H/11/06 Photopanels and GPP/MC/H/11/07 Annotated Aerial Photograph.

1.3.2 Blackpits Barn is located over 1km away from the nearest village of Helmdon, and as such there

are only a few sensitive receptors in the immediate area. The closest of these receptors is Redlands House at 320m to the North. This property is occupied by the landowner of the application site.

1.3.3 Outside of this the other receptors are as follows; Glasshouses Gwebi Ashvale 500m W-N-W

(an intensive chicken farm and potential user of renewable heat) Glebe Farm 525m E-N-E Fatlands Farm 670m N Falcutt Hall 1,100m E-S-E

(occupied by Mr M Humphrey) Manor Farm 1,100m NE

(occupied by Jane Beyts, sister of M and D Humphrey) Falcutt Village 1,250m NE Helmdon Village 1,700m N-N-E Site Access and Highway Network

1.3.4 The site access is onto the B4525 (known locally as Welsh Way). The B4525 east from the site joins the A43 at a grade separated junction near Syresham, 2 miles north of Brackley. From the farm access to the A43 junction is a distance of 3 miles. The A43 has been improved to dual-carriageway standard from the M40 Junction 12 to the M1 Junction 15a and on into Northampton.

1.3.5 West of the farm Welsh Way joins the A422 just east of the M40 Junction 11 and thus to

Banbury, a distance of 7 miles. Landform

1.3.6 The site lies in generally undulating countryside and in particular on a south facing slope. Towards the B4525 the access road rises gradually to a height of 7m above the application site. The countryside is typified by large fields with boundary hedgerows, with scattered trees and copses. The landform provides a degree of natural screening from several aspects. Land Use

1.3.7 The proposed development is a further extension of the farm diversification projects previously permitted and implemented. The existing and proposed buildings and structures lie at the



centre of a block of agricultural land that comprises the farm holding, which is largely used for arable crop production. The wider area is also largely agricultural, with scattered farmhouses and some commercial properties.

Sites of Ecological Interest

1.3.8 The closest site of ecological interest is the Helmdon Disused Railway. The designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) is located 300m east of the site; and is a stretch of the old Central Railway line. It is scheduled because of its Jurassic limestone grassland habitat.

1.3.9 There are two sites of ecological interest to the west of the application site; these are Biodiversity Action Plan Priority Habitats of wet woodland. The appear on the OS map as two parts of Halse Copse, which lie 1km west of the proposed development and 800m southwest. Cultural and Geological Heritage

1.3.10 There are no protected features of historic, cultural or geological interest within the locality.



2 THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT

2.1 Proposed Development

2.1.1 The application seeks to gain planning permission for the development of an Anaerobic Digestion (AD) plant at Blackpits Barn, accepting 30,000 tonnes per annum of green waste and grown crop product, (likely to be in the form of maize) to produce renewable energy for utilisation in the local area and to be fed back into the National Grid.

2.1.2 It is proposed that the plant will operate to the British Standard PAS 110 level to ensure that the feedstock to be used within the Anaerobic Digestion facility meets the appropriate industry standard. This allows for the solid output that occurs after the digestion and dewatering processes to be utilised within the agricultural industry as a fertiliser.

2.1.3 The methane produced within the Anaerobic Digestion process will be utilised by a Jenbacher Combined Heat and Power Unit which has an electrical power output of 1413 kW, enough to provide electrical power to approximately 3 000 homes. Components

2.1.4 The associated components, several of which are already consented, to be installed are listed below; Waste Reception Building 2 No. Loading Hopper 2 No. Primary Fermentation Tanks – the tank stands at approximately 8.7m high (above

ground level) with an external diameter of 19.22m, it has a flat roof with ladder access and the external wall will be of unfinished concrete.

The Intermediate Building – this component of the plant sits between the primary and secondary fermentation tanks, and houses the pumping equipment. Its dimensions are, 7m in length x 7m wide x 3m high.

2 No. Secondary Fermentation Tanks – the domed concrete building at 12.8m high (above ground level), with an external diameter of 30.82m. The external wall will be unfinished concrete with a mid ‘Goosewing’ grey material dome.

2 No. Dewatering Presses Lagoon – for liquid storage, with a volume of 2,500 cubic metres. Combined Heat and Power Unit Building – the CHP building contains the generator and its

associated components. It is 12.2m in length x 2.4m in width x 2.7m high. It has an associated gas flare 3m high.

2 No. Silage Clamps, with external bunds 4.59m wide, with the internal bund 3.74m wide, and both 2.63m high.

2.1.5 Further details can be found in Drawing GPP/MC/H/11/03 Site Layout Plan, 16771/003

Elevations and Details, the Design and Access Statement and the Technical Specification by Agraferm Technologies in Appendix 2. Construction and Operation

2.1.6 It is anticipated that the proposed development will be constructed in two phases; the first, to include one AD run and ancillary development; the second, to include the second AD run to



allow capacity to be increased over time as sources for waste are secured. The first phase will be constructed over a 9 month period, and is due to be operational in 2012.

2.1.7 The AD facility will be operated on a 24 hour basis. However, the delivery of waste to the site will be restricted to the following hours: Monday to Friday 07:00 – 17:00 Saturdays 07:00 – 13:00 Sundays and Bank Holidays No deliveries

2.1.8 On completion of both phases of the proposed development 3 new full time equivalent members of staff will be employed. Process Overview

2.1.9 The Anaerobic Digestion facility will be geared towards the acceptance of food waste and grown crops which will be processed within the facility to generate methane via the Anaerobic Digestion process. A technical specification is provided in Appendix 2.

2.1.10 The grown crops in the form of maize and grass silage will be stored on site and combined with the separately pre-processed waste streams before being digested together. The combination of the waste and grown crops maximises the energy recovery from the AD process, whilst the inclusion of the grown crops within the feedstock provides biological stability and certainty.

2.1.11 The AD process is completed in sealed tanks which store the produced methane before it is utilised in energy generation. The methane is fed into an engine where it is combusted to drive the turbine which generates the electricity. The heat produced by the electricity generation process will be utilised in the preparation of the waste stream prior to digestion, ensuring a more rapid and complete digestion by hygeinisiation. Additionally, there is the potential for the heat to be utilised by offsite parties including the chicken breeding unit approximately 500m to the west of the site. Waste Acceptance and Processing

2.1.12 Food waste will be delivered to the Waste Reception Building under the conditions imposed by permission SN/07/07/00059/WAS in Appendix 3. The delivery vehicles will unload the waste into a dedicated hopper within the building, with the waste then being transferred for processing prior to discharge to the holding area.

2.1.13 The processing will occur within the Waste Reception Building, and will ensure that all

contaminants are removed from the feedstock prior to digestion as the waste stream can often be contaminated by a range of materials including plastics and grit.

2.1.14 Odour control systems proposed under the previously consented application will ensure that there is no detrimental impact on the local environment. Preparation of Feedstock

2.1.15 The feedstock will be prepared using the BTA process or similar pre-processing system. BTA, the sister company of Agraferm, have developed a suitable pre-treatment process for waste inputs to AD facilities. The process is a well proven combination of size reduction, and batch removal of contaminants which ensures that a clean feedstock material is delivered to the digestion tanks.



2.1.16 A key aspect of the BTA process is to pulp the accepted waste material via the feeding of the

waste and recirculated water into the pulping vessel where an impellor imparts hydraulic shear upon the waste, disintegrating the biodegradable component and removing any heavy elements (grit, stones) and also removing light contaminants such as plastics.

2.1.17 The pulper runs for approximately 60-80 minutes for each batch depending on the nature of the materials to be processed. Once the mixture is pulped the heavy fraction sinks to the bottom and is removed, while the light fraction floats to the surface by a screw rake. The heavy fraction can be washed and re-used, while the light fraction is pressed before disposal offsite.

2.1.18 The pulp is then taken to a buffer tank for pasteurisation, where it is passed into 1 of 2 identical pasteurisation tanks where heat from the combined heat and power plant, warms the pulp to 70oC for a minimum of 60 minutes to comply with the requirements of the animal by-products regulations for Category 3 materials. Electronic controls and monitoring ensure that every batch is certified before passing in pipework through to the fermentation tanks. The Digestion Process

2.1.19 The digestion process will be mesophillic (maintained at a consistent temperature of approx 35oC for microorganisms to flourish) and will have a mean retention time of 30 days. The digestion temperature is monitored and controlled by adjusting the incoming waste pulp temperature or by using the integrated heating system which surrounds the primary fermentation tank (also known as a digester). During normal operating temperatures little additional heat will be required. Primary Fermentation Tanks

2.1.20 A series of large mixing paddles in the tanks keep the material agitated, and ensure that methane is released freely from the mixture and passed to the surface for collection. The paddles are very robust but can be removed and replaced if necessary; none of the motors or bearings are fixed within the tank and so removal for replacement or maintenance is possible.

2.1.21 Once the mixed pulp has completed the 30 day period in the tank it is taken in pipework to the secondary fermentation tanks. Secondary Fermentation Tanks

2.1.22 The secondary fermentation tanks (also known as digesters) retain the largely digested materials for approximately 45 days, and ensure that all available energy is recovered. The secondary tanks include agitating devices to ensure free release of methane. Dewatering

2.1.23 A screw press is used to separate the liquids from the solids. The press operates continuously with solids of approximately 25% solids content dropping down into a bunker. The solid output is benign and will be spread on farmland to increase the organic content of agricultural land. The liquids are taken to the storage lagoon for storage. Liquid Storage

2.1.24 The storage lagoon provides sufficient storage capacity to ensure that no discharge of liquids onto farmland is carried out over the closed Nitrate Vulnerable Zone (NVZ) period. The NVZ



regulations prevent the spreading of liquids for a 6 month period during which nitrogen uptake by plants is relatively low and a surplus of free nitrogen possible, resulting in elevated levels of nitrogen in the groundwater. The liquids will be held in the lagoon for up to 6 months. Outside the closed NVZ period the liquid will be spread on adjoining agricultural land using umbilical spreaders or similar. The process plant relies on recovering as much energy from the feedstocks as possible and on completion of the process and discharge from the lagoon the liquid is odourless and while retaining some nitrogen is stable. Gas Storage

2.1.25 Gas is recovered from the digestion phase and stored in a gas dome which is located over the secondary fermentation tanks. A double lined membrane ensures that no methane is lost to atmosphere. Energy Generation

2.1.26 The gas from the gas storage bladder is cleaned, cooled and dewatered prior to burning in a Jenbacher or similar engine. The engine is insulated acoustically with very low adjacent noise levels. The engine drives a turbine which generates electricity which is then taken by underground high voltage cables to connect to the National Grid. Grid connection points have been identified and an assessment of the suitability of the grid at the connection point confirmed. It is also possible to clean the methane generated by the process and inject it into the national gas grid, at present the gas grid connections are too remote from the site. The Use of Grown Crops in Feedstock

2.1.27 Due to the nature of the waste delivered to the site in terms of variation between loads and seasonal variations the grown crops can be mixed with the waste stream to produce a more stable feedstock to be digested within the AD plant.

2.1.28 The biological nature of the Anaerobic Digestion process dictates that a consistent feedstock produces positive results with regard to the maximisation of energy recovery. The grown feed stock will therefore be utilised in the management of the feedstock into the AD plant to ensure that a consistent product is fed into the digestion process. The careful controls that have to be instilled over the AD process require the ability to alter the quantities of grown crops added to the waste stream in order to maintain the consistency of gas production and ensure maximum energy production.

2.1.29 Additionally, commercial need requires the ability to utilise the grown crops in order to supplement the waste streams in order to prevent over-reliance on waste streams alone. The ability to process grown crops within the plant reduces the financial risk in respect of the initial investment in the required equipment. Currently, economic uncertainty, the inability to secure Local Authority waste contracts without an established AD facility to rely on in the tendering process, and change in political agendas particularly with regard to planning policy, all add risk to the sole reliance on either grown feedstocks or waste streams.

2.1.30 The maize will be harvested and stored in the silage clamps built on site, and in existing silage storage facilities on nearby farms. The maize will be grown in rotation and provide a true break crop which will increase wheat yields and quality in subsequent years. The pressure put on land to maximise yields in the short term with reduced lay periods has resulted in high degrees of resistance to chemical control. The late sowing of maize allows very effective weed control which will provide long term certainty on agricultural productivity.



2.1.31 Once the maize is harvested it will be ensiled in the silage clamps until it is required in the

plant. Clean run off will be routed separately discharged from site while water which has been in contact with the silage will be retained in the process.

2.1.32 The silage will be taken by loading shovel as required and fed into the feed hopper which mixes the silage and takes it via screw auger into the digester.

Silage Clamp Details

2.1.33 The silage clamp will be constructed using a proven system either similar to or as provided by Bock, a leading German silage wall provider. The walls comprise a central earth bund onto which precast concrete panels (3.25m in length) are placed at an angle of 67 degrees. The angular face to the clamp wall provides a much safer surface for the silage to be compressed against, preventing low spots against the walls or the dangers of farm equipment compacting maize adjacent to a vertical face. The system has been used in a number of silage clamps constructed for AD plants.

2.1.34 The clamp system includes a number of drainage systems to ensure that all liquid which contains runoff from the silage is kept separate from clean run off, while also maximising the proportion of water which can be classified as clean for discharge. The base of the clamp will be drained by dedicated gullies which will discharge into the secondary storage tanks when silage is in the clamp; when there is no silage in the clamp, and the clamp has been cleaned down, the runoff can be diverted to clean runoff.

2.1.35 The bund has 2 drainage systems, a higher level system which takes water from the sheeting which is placed over the clamp when the clamp is full of silage, this drain takes clean run off away into the surface water system. A lower drain which is located behind the concrete facing wall collects any seepage from the silage and takes it in a sealed system to the secondary storage tanks. This lower level collection drain only serves as a back up to the concrete facing units and seals which are designed and managed to be impermeable and will be installed under Construction Quality Assurance (CQA) supervision to ensure that all seals and panels are installed in accordance with manufacturers specification. Waste Streams

2.1.36 It is proposed that the facility will collect waste from the following general geographical areas. South Northamptonshire, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, Warwickshire

2.1.37 An illustrative proposed area of collection is provided in plan GPP/MC/H/11/05 and supporting

statement provided in Appendix 4.



3 PLANNING CONTEXT

3.1 Planning History

3.1.1 Planning Permission (SN/07/0394) was granted in March 2007 for the construction of an Anaerobic Digestion plant to treat 15,000 tonnes per annum of wet food waste to produce gas which was to be utilised for the production of heat. The permission also facilitated the construction of an In-Vessel Composting (IVC) plant to treat approximately 15,000 tonnes of dry food waste (and green waste where it is mixed with the food waste).

3.1.2 Planning Permission (07/00059/WAS) was granted in December 2007, which permitted the erection of three buildings at the Blackpits Barn site for the collection and transfer of dry recyclables, and the processing of non-hazardous, biodegradable waste. The proposed development will utilise one of the buildings for waste acceptance and processing procedures linked to the AD facility.

3.1.3 This application seeks to build upon the precedence established by permission SN/07/0394 with regard to the construction of an Anaerobic Digestion facility to produce renewable energy. The proposed development will replace the IVC facility with the expanded AD facility within the same planning permission area.

3.1.4 A detailed planning history is provided in Appendix 5.

3.2 Planning Policy

3.2.1 A range of relevant planning policies from the national and local level have been considered. Where appropriate, the required policies have been highlighted and cross-examined with the merits of the proposed development.

3.3 National Policy

Waste Strategy for England 2007

3.3.1 Fundamental to the aims of the waste strategy is the waste hierarchy; the objective is to move waste up the hierarchy, so that less and less material is disposed of.



3.3.2 Comment: Recycling and composting of waste is the best way of treating waste once it has

been generated; local planning authorities have little or no control over re-using waste or preventing it in the first place.

3.3.3 The utilisation of waste by the Anaerobic Digestion facility has two-fold benefits with regard to the tiers of the waste hierarchy, as stated above. AD is considered to be an energy recovery process that enables the extraction of the energy resource from waste whilst also reducing the emission of a Green House Gas in the form of Methane. Additional benefit of the AD process is derived from the use of the dry digestate as an agricultural fertiliser. The benefits of this are highlighted by the newly published, ‘Anaerobic Digestion Strategy and Action Plan’. The document which was published by DEFRA in June 2011 references the importance of this facet of the process, and indicates the upcoming move by the EU Waste Framework Directive to include green and food waste treated within the AD process to be classed as a recyclate due to the end use status as a fertiliser.

Government Review of Waste Policy in England 2011

3.3.4 The Government published their review in June 2011in order to deliver long-term change to move waste further up the waste hierarchy. The use of AD is considered to be able to deliver a better overall environmental outcome than recycling the waste, taking into account the local economic and environmental considerations. It is hoped that by 2020 around 5 million tonnes of food waste and around 20-60 million tonnes of animal waste will be made available for anaerobic digestion.

3.3.5 Comment: This project is seen as playing an important role in moving waste up the hierarchy and can provide a long-term approach to reduction in disposal of waste. Anaerobic Digestion Strategy and Action Plan 2011

3.3.6 The publication is designed to provide information on how AD works to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill. It is recognised that AD offers a local, environmentally sound option for waste management that helps divert waste from landfill, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and produce renewable energy which could be used to power homes and vehicles.

3.3.7 Comment: It is clear from this publication that at a national level there is governmental support for AD facilities. National Planning Framework and Presumption in Favour of Sustainable

Development

3.3.8 The Planning Minister Greg Clark announced a review of planning policy, designed to consolidate policy statements, circulars and guidance documents into a single concise National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). Included within the NPPF there is a presumption in favour of sustainable development. This has been commented to be at the heart of the planning system, which should be central to the approach taken to both plan-making and decision-taking.

3.3.9 Comment: The presumption in favour of sustainable development places an emphasis on local planning authorities to take a positive attitude to new development, and that development should be approved unless the adverse impacts of allowing the development would significantly outweigh the benefits. In this case, it is demonstrated that there are clear long term



environmental benefits of an AD facility and that the adverse impacts of this proposed development are minimal. Planning Policy Statements

3.3.10 Planning Policy Statements (PPS) contain national guidance on the interpretation and implementation of national strategies and government policy. PPS1 Delivering Sustainable Development

3.3.11 This document sets out overarching planning policies for the delivery of sustainable development through the planning system. It states that sustainable development is the core principle underpinning planning.

3.3.12 Comment: This development provides an appropriate site, which it will be demonstrated has

an acceptable level of impact on the local environment while delivering a much needed facility to deal with waste in the vicinity of where it arises.

PPS4 Planning for Sustainable Economic Growth

3.3.13 This document sets out overarching planning policies for sustainable economic development in urban and rural areas, and the Government’s primary objective is for planning to support sustainable economic growth.

3.3.14 Comment: This project will provide employment in an area where permanent jobs are much

needed to sustain the rural economy. Waste treatment provides the prospect of a long-term business, with job security.

PPS7 Sustainable Development in Rural Areas

3.3.15 This document sets out policies for rural areas and the undeveloped countryside up to the fringes of towns. A number of the principle objectives for rural areas are to promote sustainable, diverse and adaptable agriculture sectors and to promote the development of the English regions by improving their economic performance so that all are able to reach their full potential.

3.3.16 PPS7 notes that accessibility should be a key consideration in all development decisions, with

appropriately sited development to make the most of accessibility by all modes of transport. 3.3.17 In addition, this document requires local planning authorities to support a wide range of

economic activity in rural areas. 3.3.18 Comment: The diversification of the activities based at the Blackpits Barn site allow for a mix

of activity to promote sustainable values via the utilisation of waste products in relation to the production of renewable energy, and bio-fertilisers in a geographically sustainable location that minimises the need for transportation of large amounts of the necessary products to the site.

PPS10 Planning for Sustainable Waste Management

3.3.19 This document sets out the requirements to be met by waste developments. It advises that “Waste planning authorities should adhere to the following principles in determining planning applications:



– controls under the planning and pollution control regimes should complement rather than duplicate each other and conflicting conditions should be avoided; – in considering planning applications for waste management facilities before development plans can be reviewed to reflect this PPS, have regard to the policies in this PPS as material considerations which may supersede the policies in their development plan. Any refusal of planning permission on grounds of prematurity will not be justified unless it accords with the policy in The Planning System: General Principles. Planning applications for sites that have not been identified, or are not located in an area identified, in a development plan document as suitable for new or enhanced waste management facilities should be considered favourably when consistent with Paragraph 21 which states that in deciding which sites and areas to identify for waste management facilities, waste planning authorities should: (i) assess their suitability for development against each of the following criteria: – the extent to which they support the policies in this PPS; – the physical and environmental constraints on development, including existing and proposed neighbouring land uses; – the cumulative effect of previous waste disposal facilities on the well-being of the local community, including any significant adverse impacts on environmental quality, social cohesion and inclusion or economic potential; – the capacity of existing and potential transport infrastructure to support the sustainable movement of waste, and products arising from resource recovery, seeking when practicable and beneficial to use modes other than road transport. (ii) give priority to the re-use of previously-developed land, and redundant agricultural and forestry buildings and their curtilages.

3.3.20 Comment: This statement provides careful consideration of a range of factors, and considers

the potential impacts of the proposal in respect to its surrounding ecological environment, local amenity, existing infrastructure and provides mitigation where necessary.

3.3.21 PPS10 also sets out the locational criteria that should be taken into account in testing the suitability of sites.

a. protection of water resources Considerations will include the proximity of vulnerable surface and groundwater. For landfill or land-raising, geological conditions and the behaviour of surface water and groundwater should be assessed both for the site under consideration and the surrounding area. The suitability of locations subject to flooding will also need particular care. b. land instability Locations, and/or the environs of locations, that are liable to be affected by land instability will not normally be suitable for waste management facilities. c. visual intrusion Considerations will include (i) the setting of the proposed location and the potential for design-led solutions to produce acceptable development; (ii) the need to protect landscapes of national importance (National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Heritage Coasts). d. nature conservation Considerations will include any adverse effect on a site of international importance for nature conservation (Special Protection Areas, Special Areas of Conservation and



RAMSAR Sites) or a site with a nationally recognised designation (Sites of Special Scientific Interest, National Nature Reserves). e. historic environment and built heritage Considerations will include any adverse effect on a site of international importance (World Heritage Sites) or a site or building with a nationally recognised designation (Scheduled Monuments, Conservation Areas, Listed Buildings, Registered Historic Battlefields and Registered Parks and Gardens). f. traffic and access Considerations will include the suitability of the road network and the extent to which access would require reliance on local roads. g. air emissions, including dust Considerations will include the proximity of sensitive receptors and the extent to which adverse emissions can be controlled through the use of appropriate and well-maintained and managed equipment and vehicles. h. odours Considerations will include the proximity of sensitive receptors and the extent to which adverse odours can be controlled through the use of appropriate and well-maintained and managed equipment. i. vermin and birds Considerations will include the proximity of sensitive receptors. Some waste management facilities, especially landfills which accept putrescible waste, can attract vermin and birds. The numbers, and movements of some species of birds, may be influenced by the distribution of landfill sites. Where birds congregate in large numbers, they may be a major nuisance to people living nearby. They can also provide a hazard to aircraft at locations close to aerodromes or low flying areas. As part of the aerodrome safeguarding procedure (ODPM Circular 1/200316) local planning authorities are required to consult aerodrome operators on proposed developments likely to attract birds. Consultation arrangements apply within safeguarded areas (which should be shown on the proposals map in the local development framework). The primary aim is to guard against new or increased hazards caused by development. The most important types of development in this respect include facilities intended for the handling, compaction, treatment or disposal of household or commercial wastes. j. noise and vibration Considerations will include the proximity of sensitive receptors. The operation of large waste management facilities in particular can produce noise both inside and outside buildings. Intermittent and sustained operating noise may be a problem if not kept to acceptable levels and particularly if night-time working is involved. k. litter Litter can be a concern at some waste management facilities. l. potential land use conflict Likely proposed development in the vicinity of the location under consideration should be taken into account in considering site suitability and the envisaged waste management facility.

3.3.22 Comment: The factors highlighted by PPS10 have been fully considered in this planning

statement.



3.4 Regional Policy

East Midlands Regional Waste Plan

3.4.1 Regional Spatial Strategies set out the strategic level planning policy for the regions. In 2010 the UK Government abolished the strategies under s79(6) of the Local Democracy Economic Development and Construction Act 2009. In the Autumn of 2010 the High Court rules that the Secretary of State’s decision to revoke Regional Spatial Strategies was unlawful as it had been taken without primary legislation. A statement was then issued by the Government reiterating their intention to remove Regional Spatial Strategies through the Localism Bill, and that this should be treated as a material consideration for planning applications. Despite a further legal challenge, it was confirmed that the Government’s intention to abolish Regional Spatial Strategies is a material consideration which should be taken into account when determining a planning application. A Commons Select Committee Report was published in Spring 2011 acknowledging the presence of a planning policy vacuum as a result.

3.5 Local Policy

Northamptonshire County Council Minerals & Waste Development

Framework

3.5.1 The Northamptonshire County Council Minerals and Waste Core Strategy was adopted on 20 May 2010, sets out the long term vision for minerals and waste development in Northamptonshire to 2026. The emphasis in developing a sustainable waste management strategy for the region is made clear in Policy CS1. Policy CS1: Northamptonshire’s waste management capacity

The development of a sustainable waste management network to support growth within Northamptonshire will involve the provision of facilities to meet the following indicative waste management capacities during the plan period: Recycling (MSW and C&I) capacity of 439,000 and 516,000 tonnes per annum for 2016 and 2026 respectively, Biological processing (MSW and C&I) capacity of 423,000 and 498,000 tonnes per annum for 2016 and 2026 respectively, Waste management or advanced treatment (MSW and C&I) capacity of 392,000 and 456,000 tonnes per annum for 2016 and 2026 respectively, Inert recycling (C&D) capacity of 928,000 and 1,089,000 tonnes per annum for 2016 and 2026 respectively, and Hazardous waste management of 72,000 and 82,000 tonnes per annum for 2016 and 2026 respectively. This provision will come from a mix of extensions to existing sites, intensification or re-development of existing sites and new sites, providing they all meet the spatial strategy for waste management and are assessed as meeting environmental, amenity and other requirements. Allocations that will contribute to meeting provision will be identified in the Locations for Waste Development DPD.

3.5.2 Comment: The current waste activity process that are currently operating on site indicate the

that the site is considered appropriate for waste use. The previously granted permission



relating to the In-vessel Composting facility and the Anaerobic Digestion facility and thus places the site within the waste provision guidelines.

Policy CS2: Spatial strategy for waste management

Northamptonshire’s waste management network, particularly advanced treatment facilities with a sub-regional or wider catchment, will be focused within the central spine, and the sub-regional centre of Daventry. Development should be concentrated in Northampton, Wellingborough, Kettering, Corby and Daventry. Development in the smaller towns should be consistent with their local service role. Facilities in urban areas should be co-located together and with complementary activities. At the rural service centres, facilities with a local or neighbourhood catchment will provide for preliminary treatment in order to deal with waste generated from these areas. In the rural hinterlands only facilities with a local or neighbourhood catchment providing for preliminary treatment, or that are incompatible with urban development, should be provided. Where it is the latter they should deal with waste generated from identified urban areas and be appropriately located to serve those areas. Facilities in rural areas should, where possible, be associated with existing rural employment uses.

3.5.3 Comment: The location of the Anaerobic Digestion plant allows the facility to serve the sub-regional area providing a local facility to serve a local problem in terms of the Waste Stream that is to be treated within the preliminary treatment facility. Policy CS9: Encouraging sustainable transport movements

Minerals and waste related development should seek to minimise transport movements and maximise the use of sustainable or alternative transport modes.

3.5.4 Comment: The development will utilise waste streams from the local area. Consequently,

transport movements will be determined by the demands of the local collection rounds. As such, it is not proposed that the development will source waste via unsustainable transport movements. Policy CS14: Addressing the impact of proposed minerals and waste development

Proposals for minerals and waste development must demonstrate that the following matters have been addressed: minimising environmental impact and protecting Northamptonshire’s key environmental designations, protecting natural resources or ensuring that any unavoidable loss or reduction is mitigated, ensuring built development is of a design and layout that has regard to its visual appearance in the context of the defining characteristics of the local area, ensuring access is sustainable, safe and environmentally acceptable, and



ensuring that local amenity is protected.

3.5.5 Comment: A range of considerations with regard to ecology, amenity and transport have been considered in this application. Where appropriate, mitigation measures have been suggested and incorporated into the development. Control and Management of Development Document

3.5.6 This application is subject to the newly adopted policies included within the Control and Management of Development DPD, adopted on 30 June 2011. Policy CMD1; Development Criteria for Waste Management Facilities (non-inert and

hazardous)

Proposals for waste management facilities on non-allocated sites (including existing sites and extensions to allocated sites) must demonstrate that development; Does not conflict with the spatial strategy for waste management, Promotes the development of a sustainable waste network and facilitates delivery of Northamptonshire’s waste management capacity requirements, Clearly establishes a need for the facility identifying the intended functional role, the intended catchment area for the waste to be managed, market base for any outputs, and where applicable the requirement for a specialist facility, Is in general conformity with the principles of sustainability (particularly regarding the intended catchment area), Facilitates the efficient collection and recovery of waste materials, and Where intended for use by the local community, is readily and safely accessible to those it is intended to serve. Development should also, where appropriate, and particularly in the case of advanced treatment facilities: Ensure that waste has undergone preliminary treatment prior to advanced treatment, Integrate and co-locate waste management facilities together with complimentary facilities, Maximise the re-use of energy, heat and residuals, Maximise the use of previously developed land (particularly existing and designated industrial land, and derelict, despoiled, or brownfield urban land), or redundant agriculture and forestry (and their curtilages).

3.5.7 Comment: The development builds upon a previously established use at the site, and thus the opportunity to treat a source of waste within the area that it is derived. The facility seeks to accept up to 30,000 tonnes per annum of food waste to be co-mingled with grown crop to utilise within the AD process. The AD process will therefore provide the opportunity for the treatment of waste within its area of production. This conforms to the sustainable needs of the Local Authority with regard to the Northamptonshire’s waste management capacity requirements. Policy CMD7: Natural assets and resources

Minerals and waste development should seek to (where appropriate) achieve a net gain in assets and resources, through;



Delivery of wider environmental benefits in the vicinity of where development would adversely affect any regional or locally designated sites or other features sites of interest, Protecting and enhancing green infrastructure and strategic biodiversity networks, in particular the River Nene and other sub-regional corridors, and Consider opportunities to contribute towards Northamptonshire’s Biodiversity Action Plan targets for habitats and species. Proposals for minerals and waste development will be required to undertake an assessment (where appropriate) in order to: Identify and determine the nature, extent, and level of importance of the natural assets & resources, as well as any potential impacts, and Identify mitigation measures and / or requirement for compensation (where necessary) to avoid, reduce, and manage potentially adverse impacts.

3.5.8 Comment: This application has fully considered the potential impacts that the development may pose on surrounding natural assets and resources. This further consideration has been undertaken in the form of Ecological and Protected Species (found in Appendix 9), Noise (found in Appendix 7), Landscape and Visual Amenity (found in Appendix 6), Flood Risk (found in Appendix 10) and Highways and Traffic Appraisal (found in Appendix 8), with interpretation of the assessments being included in the formulation of the project and planning application.

Policy CMD8: Landscape character

Minerals and waste development should seek to reflect Northamptonshire’s landscape character. Development should mitigate potentially adverse impacts on the local character and distinctiveness of Northamptonshire’s landscape where necessary during the development, operational life, restoration, aftercare, and after-use. Opportunities for enhancement should be maximised through restoration, aftercare, and after-use. Proposals for minerals and waste development will be required to undertake a landscape impact assessment (where appropriate) based on the landscape character assessment in order to identify: the presence of landscape values (including their nature, extent, and level of importance) and determine any potential impacts, any necessary measures to mitigate potentially adverse impacts, and opportunities to protect and enhance particular features that create a specific aspect of local distinctiveness or character

3.5.9 Comment: This application is supported by a Landscape and Visual Amenity Appraisal which is detailed further in Appendix 6. Policy CMD10: Layout and design quality

The layout and overall appearance of waste management facilities, and where appropriate minerals development, will be required to demonstrate that the development: supports local identity and relates well to neighbouring sites and buildings, is set in the context of the area in which it is to be sited in a manner that enhances the overall townscape, landscape, or streetscape (as appropriate), utilises local building materials as appropriate,



incorporates specific elements of visual interest, and builds-in safety and security

3.5.10 Comment: The development has been considered with regard to its location within the immediate area, its relationship to the existing agricultural and waste related activities on site, and also the potential for the facility to provide a renewable energy and heat supply to local parties. South Northamptonshire Council Local Plan (saved policies)

3.5.11 Saved policies will remain until replaced by policies in the emerging Local Development Framework. Policy EV2

Planning permission will not be granted for development in the open countryside, although exceptions may include: (i) the conversion of an existing building in accordance with policies EV16 and EV17; Or (ii) development necessary for the purposes of agriculture, forestry, tourism or recreation, Or (iii) in the special landscape areas, appropriate development essential for the purposes of agriculture, forestry, tourism or recreation; Or (iv) development in accordance with the special policies that apply to the particular sites dealt with in chapter 13.

Comment: This proposal is considered necessary development for waste processing and renewable energy generation, and should be regarded as an exception to Policy EV2. Policy EV21

Development proposals will be expected to retain wherever possible, or failing that to replace, trees, hedgerows, ponds or other landscape features where they make an important contribution to the character of the area.

3.5.12 Comment: The siting and design of the proposed development has considered the existing

landscape features at Blackpits Barn, and retained them where possible. Where hedgerow removal is necessary to facilitate the development, it is considered suitably compensated for by landscape proposals required as part of Planning Permission (SN/07/0394). This is discussed further in Section 4 of this statement and in Appendix 6. West Northamptonshire Joint Pre-Submission Core Strategy

3.5.13 South Northamptonshire are part of the West Northamptonshire Joint Planning Unit who have had their Core Strategy Pre-Submission Draft Plan approved for representations by the West Northamptonshire Joint Strategic Planning Committee on 31st January 2011. Representations took place in February and March 2011. Once the Core Strategy is adopted, the South Northamptonshire Council Local Plan will be superseded. Policy S10 - Sustainable Development Principles

In order to achieve the overarching goals of sustainability development will: Achieve the highest standards of design including in relation to safety and security; Make use of sustainably sourced materials;



Minimise the generation of waste and maximise opportunities for recycling; Be located where services and facilities can be easily accessed by walking, cycling or public transport; Maximise use of solar energy, passive heating and cooling, natural light and ventilation; Generate a minimum of 10% of its energy needs from decentralised and renewable or low carbon sources; Maximise water efficiency.

3.5.14 Comment: The proposed facility contributes to these sustainability objectives through the

efficient processing of waste materials, in line with the waste hierarchy, and the generation of renewable energy, and heat which will be used within the AD process itself. Policy S7 – Provision Of Jobs

Provision will be made for a minimum net increase of 16,000 jobs in the period 2010 - 2026 in order to maintain a broad balance over time between homes and jobs and to maintain a diverse economic base.

3.5.15 Comment: This project will provide 3 number full time equivalent jobs.

Policy S11 – Renewable Energy

Applications for proposals to generate energy from renewable sources (including any associated transmission lines, buildings and access roads) will be expected to:

1. Bring wider environmental, economic and social benefits and contribute to national renewable energy production targets in terms of addressing climate change; 2. Have no significant adverse impact on the historic and natural landscape, landscape character, townscape or nature conservation interests; 3. Have no significant adverse impact on the amenity of the area in respect of flicker, glare, noise, dust, odour and traffic generation; and 4. Provide for the removal of the facilities and reinstatement of the site, should they cease to be operational.

3.5.16 Comment: The proposed facility contributes to government targets to process waste through

AD facilities. The potential impacts on the historic and natural landscape, landscape character, townscape or nature conservation interests have been demonstrated in Section 4 to be negligible. In addition, possible amenity impacts have been considered, and are minimised through appropriate mitigation measures. Policy R2 – Rural Economy

Proposals which sustain the rural economy by creating or safeguarding jobs and businesses will be supported where they are of an appropriate scale for their location, respect the environmental quality and character of the rural area and protect the best and most versatile agricultural land. The following types of development are considered to be acceptable:

1. The re-use of rural buildings; 2. Schemes for farm diversification involving small-scale business and commercial development that contribute to the operation and viability of the farm holding; 3. Small-scale tourism proposals, including visitor accommodation;



4. Proposals that recognise the economic benefits of the natural and historic environment as an asset to be valued, conserved and enhanced; 5. The expansion of businesses in their existing locations, dependent upon the nature of the activities involved, the character of the site and its accessibility; 6. Small scale employment development to meet local needs; and 7. The use of land for agriculture, forestry and equestrian activity.

3.5.17 Comment: The proposed development will contribute to the rural economy through the

diversification of farm activities and provision of local jobs.



4 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS

4.1 Landscape and Visual Amenity

4.1.1 An appraisal of the landscape and visual amenity of the site and the surrounding area has been undertaken, and an assessment of the appropriateness for the proposed development completed. This is set out in Appendix 6.

4.1.2 The character of the site and surrounding area is largely agricultural, with some scenic quality. The site is notable as a complex of agricultural buildings, however, these are not considered uncharacteristic due to the presence of other agricultural buildings within the surrounding landscape. The site is generally well hidden visually, and only overlooked directly by farmland, and a Public Right of Way passing near to the application site to the south east. Potential visual impact from the proposed AD facility would be localised and primarily affect views from the Public Footpath. Even then, the nature of the additional buildings and the fact that their size in relation to the wider landscape is minor will be such that they do not detract noticeably from the view.

4.1.3 Mitigation measures based on substantial areas of tree and shrub planting, plus some new hedgerows, will enhance the existing screening of the site and thus ensure that the impact on the landscape and views into the site are minimised. These landscape proposals are required as part of Planning Permission (SN/07/0394), and will be implemented alongside the construction of the AD facility. This is also illustrated on Drawing GPP/MC/H/11/08.

4.1.4 In addition, the appearance of the components of the facility, in combination with the existing features at Blackpits Barn and the consented features as been considered. The Waste Reception Building and existing canvas building on site will have mid ‘Goosewing’ grey material roofs, and the secondary fermentation tanks will have mid ‘Goosewing’ grey material domes. Further information can be found in the design and access statement and Appendix 6.

4.2 Noise

4.2.1 A report was prepared by CRS to consider the impact of noise on the nearest sensitive receptors as part of Planning Permission (SN/07/0394). The report is included in full Appendix 7. It concludes that the impact of the permitted development on the noise levels at the nearest sensitive receptors is predicted to be well below the recommended thresholds. The noise attenuation between the source and receptors is attributable to: The distance from the noise source to the nearest sensitive receptor at the glasshouses at

Gwebi / Ashvale is 500 m to the west north west There is a soil bund of 5 m height between the noise source and the sensitive receptor at

Glebe Farm There are buildings between the mobile noise source and the sensitive receptors at Gwebi /

Ashvale glasshouses There are intermittent and daytime-only origins of most noise sources There is enclosure within buildings of most fixed noise sources There is integral noise attenuation within the air management equipment which is running

continuously.



4.2.2 Condition 5 of planning permission SN/07/0394, relates to noise levels at the site and reads as follows;

‘Noise shall be controlled in accordance with the scheme of control measures identified in the submitted application (Appendix 7 ‘Risk Assessment and Control Measures’ Table). All plant and machinery shall be noise attenuated and noise generated from operations on the site shall not exceed 55dB(A) Leq 1 hr free field at the nearest noise sensitive properties to the site as identified in the submitted application.’

4.2.3 The nature of the proposed development at the application site will operate within the defined

noise limits set out in the condition above. Whilst there are some changes to the proposed development that was permitted as part of Planning Permission (SN/07/0394), the changes are not deemed to be fundamental to the operations that will occur on site. As a result of this the operations linked to the Anaerobic Digestion facility will occur within the presently permitted noise levels.

4.2.4 The ‘Risk Assessment and Control Measures Table’ that is the reference point for the imposed noise limits on site is contained within the attached CRS noise assessment in Appendix 7.

4.3 Highway and Traffic Impacts

4.3.1 A highways and traffic impacts appraisal was undertaken by Mr G Ford of Impact Design Consultants with regard to the likely impacts of the permitted In-vessel Composting and Anaerobic Digestion facility on the local highway network.

4.3.2 A full report and survey data are included within Appendix 8. The conclusions of this report are that; Analysis has revealed that the impact will be very modest and not material in traffic terms.

Accordingly the impact upon what is a lightly trafficked part of the network will not require the introduction of mitigation measures;

The site access enjoys a location where good visibility will ensure its continued safe operation. Its completion to adoptable standards will further enhance its performance.

4.3.3 Due to the fact that the proposed development will replace the facility within permission

SN/07/0394 the waste streams that will serve the proposed Anaerobic Digestion facility will remain the same. Due to the continuation of these parameters it is anticipated that the traffic and highways impacts relating to the proposed development will occur within the already permitted bounds of permission SN/07/0394.

4.3.4 As such, the proposed importation of 30,000 tonnes of waste each year will add an average of 46 heavy goods vehicle movements per day, which amount to 84 trips per day, giving a total of 130 trips (65 loads) per day. This traffic assessment assumed 30,000 tonnes of waste would be delivered, with the blend of feedstocks this will be reduced, and could include the movement of tractors and trailers from surrounding farmland which do not travel on the public highway.

4.3.5 Additionally, due to the operational processes linked to the development with regard to the build-up of the waste streams at the site, the initial impacts on the local highway network will be relatively minimal once construction has been completed. The movements of grown crops will replace existing movements of agricultural produce, and due to the different harvest period for maize and grass this will allow smooth agricultural traffic flows.



4.3.6 Furthermore a commitment will be made to local residents that no agricultural traffic movements would take place past schools during normal collection times during term time.

4.4 Ecology

4.4.1 An ecological survey was undertaken by Mr P Irving on 11 September 2006, to record the local habitat and to survey for protected species. A copy of the report is included in Appendix 9. There is no evidence of protected species within the site and there are no ponds in the locality, therefore there are unlikely to be any Great Crested Newts. The agricultural land surrounding the site has no features of botanical interest and there are no areas of ecological interest.

4.4.2 The nature of the operation at the site means that the development of further ecological diversity, since the undertaking of the report attached in Appendix 9, will be unlikely.

4.5 Trees and Hedges

4.5.1 The ecology survey identifies a number of mature trees and hedgerows at Blackpits Barn.

4.5.2 Since the time of this survey the mature ash tree, located to the south west of the application site, was removed due to health and safety reasons.

4.5.3 The proposed development requires the removal of a short section of mixed hedgerow, dominated by Hawthorn, and some shrub planting. Further information is provided in Appendix 6 and 9 and on Drawing GPP/MC/H/11/08.

4.6 Surface and Groundwater

4.6.1 There are no surface water features within 500m and the site is not located on a Groundwater Protection Zone. A Flood Risk Assessment has been undertaken to ensure that the potential effects of the development have no significant impacts on the surrounding environment and the local water amenity, this can be found in Appendix 10.

4.7 Air Emissions and Dust

4.7.1 The potential for air emissions to arise from the site will be limited due to the nature of the development. The AD facility operates as a sealed unit.

4.7.2 In addition, Condition 4 of permission SN/07/0328C manages dust emissions for the Blackpits Barn waste facility as a whole. The condition reads as follows;

‘Measures for the suppression of dust shall be implemented on the site. These measures shall include the use of dust attenuated plant and water-spray facilities for damping operational area and haul roads.’

4.7.3 In addition to this, condition 6 of permission SN/07/0394 places further management and mitigation measures with relation to dust emissions. The condition reads as follows;

‘In the event that complaints regarding, odour, dust or noise are received by the Waste Planning Authority from any sensitive receptor, and thereafter notified to the



operator, an immediate assessment of the complaint shall be undertaken. A report on the findings, with proposals for rectifying and a programme for the implementation of remedial measures to be undertaken shall be submitted to the Waste Planning Authority no later than 5 working days from the receipt of the complaint.

4.7.4 These over lapping conditions allow for the appropriate management of the potential dust

emissions relating to the proposed development. As such, the potential for dust creation by the vehicles servicing the Anaerobic Digestion Facility will be controlled by the parameters stated in the existing dust conditions.

4.8 Archaeology

4.8.1 The site is situated in a rural area where the Northamptonshire County Council’s Sites and Monuments Records advises that there is no evidence of recorded archaeology of any significance; therefore no detailed investigations have been carried out.



5 PRE APPLICATION CONSULTATION

5.1.1 The proposed development was discussed with representatives of the local community during its formulation. A meeting was held on 14th December 2010 with representatives from Material Change Ltd present. The minutes of this meeting are summarised as follows and available on request. The purpose of the meeting was to enable Material Change Ltd to present ideas for a revised

Anaerobic Digestion Facility at the site to the Blackpits Monitoring Group. It was confirmed that the proposal incorporate a change of technology supplier for the

Anaerobic Digestion Facility with provision for the storage of grown crops to supply the process.

It was confirmed that the change on technology supplier would require a change to the layout of the Anaerobic Digestion Facility to that which was proposed and permitted in 2007.

Areas of Concern New and existing buildings with white roof – Material Change Ltd will look at what can be

done to mitigate the visual impact. Traffic management will be a major concern – Material Change Ltd will ensure that a plan is

part of the planning application. Storage of the Maize crop will be essential to keep the process functioning on a continuous

basis- This should be part of the overall plan for the site. Low heat generation will be part of the process and Material Change need a credible plan on

how this will be handled and utilised.



6 CONCLUSIONS

6.1.1 The applicant seeks to gain planning permission for an Anaerobic Digestion (AD) facility to be constructed at Blackpits Barn, Helmdon, in order to generate renewable energy to be used on site, within the local area, and also to be supplied to the National Grid.

6.1.2 Blackpits Barn is an established waste transfer and composting site, which has been developed in recent years as a farm diversification project. The scale of the waste related business has grown to meet the demand to facilitate the diversion of waste from landfill.

6.1.3 The proposed development fits in with the demand for the energy from waste facilities that is stated within national and local planning policy. The ability to treat the arising food waste stream from the area indicated within plan GPP/MC/H/11/05 enables a sustainable waste management process to be utilised in terms of vehicle movements and also the utilisation of the AD process to create renewable energy.

6.1.4 The nature of the current operations on site, and the previous granted planning permissions, along with the wide range of considerations within the planning statement indicates that the site is an appropriate place to locate the proposed development.

6.1.5 Outside of this, the technical reports attached within the application fully consider the implications of the development with regard to its potential effect on a range of environmental receptors and amenity. Where potential issues have arisen, suitable mitigation measures have been suggested and incorporated into the design of the proposed development.


M004-01 Planning Statement / NM Appendix 07/07/11

APPENDIX 1: Validation Checklist



National Requirements Document / Plan

Additional Notes / Comment

Completed Application Form

Planning Portal reference: PP 01285697

Site location plan (1:1250 or 1:2500) showing direction of north

Site Location Plan Drawing GPP/MC/H/11/01

Block plan of the site (1:100 or 1:200) showing any site boundaries i.e. red line Site Plan

Site Plan Drawing GPP/MC/H/11/02

Existing and proposed elevations (1:50 or 1:100)

Elevations and Details 16771/003

Existing and proposed floor plans (1:50 or 1:100)

Not necessary

Roof plan (1:50 or 1:100) Not necessary.

Existing and proposed site sections and finished floor and site levels (1:50 or 1:100)

Not necessary.

Ownership Certificates (A, B, C or D – as applicable)

Included.

Agricultural Holdings Certificate

Included.

Design and Access Statement, if required

Included.

Appropriate fee £2380.00

Notice under Article 6 of the Town and Country Planning (General Development Procedure Order 1995 must be given and/or published, where Ownership Certificates B, C or D used

Included



Local Requirements: Northamptonshire County Council

Requirement Comment

A Supporting Planning Statement Included.Air Quality Assessment Not necessaryArchaeological Assessment Not necessary. Blasting (Minerals Applications) Not necessary.Cumulative Impact Not necessary. Daylight/Sunlight Assessment Not necessary.Design Statement Included. Dust, mud and debris on the highway and Litter

Not necessary.

Environmental Impact Assessment Not necessary. Ecology / Protected Species / Biodiversity Survey & Report

Included.

Flood Risk Assessment Included. Foul Sewerage Assessment Not necessary.Geotechnical Appraisal Not necessary. Health Impacts Not necessary.Heritage Assessment (including historical features and Scheduled Ancient Monuments) / Conservation Area Appraisal

Not necessary.

Hydrological and Hydrogeological Assessment

Not necessary.

Land Contamination Assessment/Contamination Risk Assessment

Not necessary.

Landfill Applications Not necessary. Landfill Gas and Leachate Not necessary.Landscape Assessment Included. Lighting Assessment Not necessary. Minerals Safeguarding Not necessary. Noise Impact Assessment Included. Odour Impact Assessment Not necessary. Parking and Access Arrangements Not necessary. Phasing/Working Programme Not necessary. Photographs and Photomontages Photopanels Drawing GPP/MC/H/11/06 Planning Obligations – Draft Heads of Terms

Not necessary.

Plans for Minerals and Landfill Applications

Not necessary.

Playing Fields and Recreational Facilities

Not necessary.

Public Rights of Way Not necessary. Renewable Energy and Climate Change

Not necessary.

Restoration and Aftercare Statement/Plans

Not necessary.



Requirement Comment

Statement of Community Involvement

Not necessary.

Structural Survey Not necessary. Survey of Levels Not necessary Transport Assessment Included.Tree and Hedgerow Survey/Arboricultural Report

Not necessary.

Utilities Statement Not necessary. Vermin and Birds Not necessary. Waste Audit and Waste Management Facilities Strategy

Not necessary.

PLANNING HISTORY



BLACKPITS BARN, HELMDON


GP PLANNING LTD PLANNING HISTORY

M004-01 Planning History / NM 1 12/07/11

PREVIOUS PLANNING PERMISSION

Introduction

The Blackpits Barn site has been the subject of a range of planning permissions providing the authorisation for the different waste operations that are conducted across the site as a whole. The development of the site as a waste transfer and recycling centre commenced in early 2002 via the granting of permission SN/01/889C. Further permissions gained at the site since then have allowed for the development of the accepted wastes streams and further treatment of waste. With regard to the proposed development at the site, the two most relevant permissions are planning permissions SN/07/0394 and permissions 07/00059/WAS. Planning Permission (SN/07/0394) was granted in March 2007 for the construction of an Anaerobic Digestion plant to treat 15,000 tonnes per annum of wet food waste to produce gas which was to be utilised for the production of heat. The permission also facilitated the construction of an In-Vessel Composting (IVC) plant to treat approximately 15,000 tonnes of dry food waste (and green waste where it is mixed with the food waste).

Planning Permission (07/00059/WAS) was granted in December 2007, which permitted the erection of three buildings for the collection and transfer of dry recyclables, and the processing of non-hazardous, biodegradable waste. The proposed development will utilise one of the buildings for waste acceptance and processing procedures linked to the proposed AD facility.

An overview of the planning permissions at the waste site is provided below. Within the stated permissions the following components required in association with the proposed development. They are;

The waste acceptance and processing building, The access to the site, The relocation of the weighbridge and the site offices, The combined heat and power unit, The principle of developing an Anaerobic Digestion facility at the site, The surface water drainage lagoon, The 30,000 tonnes of waste to be utilised by the proposed development Electrical Transformer housing

Previous Planning Permissions

The following planning permissions already apply to the site. Permission SN/01/889C

In January 2002, planning permission was granted for the use of existing farm buildings and some adjoining land as a waste transfer and recycling centre. This permission allowed the importation of 5,000 tonnes of inert waste and non-hazardous household, commercial and industrial waste per annum via two site based collection vehicles. No other commercial vehicles were permitted to deliver waste to the site.



Waste operating hours were limited to 6.30am to 6.00pm Mondays to Fridays and 6.30am to 12 noon on Saturdays, with no working on Sundays or Bank Holidays. Permission SN/02/1111C

On 25 September 2002 planning permission was granted to remove the restriction on the number of commercial vehicles using the site. The permission also amended the restrictions on the stockpiles at the site with the authorisation of the outside storage of inert waste and timber in stockpiles of not more than 2m high. The variation of the restriction to allow the acceptance of the annual imports of 25,000 tonnes per annum was accompanied by a condition imposing a restriction on the route of heavy goods vehicles, so that they do not travel through the villages of Helmdon, Radstone or Greatworth. Permission SN/03/544C

On 8 July 2003 planning permission was granted (SN/03/544C) for an extension to the waste transfer and recycling centre to provide hardstanding for the storage of recyclable timber, wood chipping operations, parking and turning. This permission required a surface water collection and storage system plus a scheme for treatment and disposal of the water. Permission SN/03/1724C

On 19 March 2004 planning permission was granted (SN/03/1724C) for an extension to the green waste composting site. The application was for 25,000 tonnes per annum. This permission was for green waste composting only, with no turning or removal of compost when the waste transfer and recycling centre is occupied, nor when the wind is in a NE, E or SE direction. The mound heights were restricted to 3m in height. The permission also contained the provision of earth bunds around the north and east boundaries, planted with trees. Permission SN/05/387C

On 13 May 2005 planning permission was granted (SN/05/387C) for the permanent use of the waste transfer and recycling centre. The permission consolidated and brought into one permission the three previous permissions. Permission SN/07/0394

Planning Permission was granted in March 2007 for the construction of an Anaerobic Digestion plant to treat 15,000 tonnes per annum of wet food waste to produce gas which was to be utilised for the production of heat. The permission also facilitated the construction of an In-Vessel Composting (IVC) plant to treat approximately 15,000 tonnes of dry food waste (and green waste where it is mixed with the food waste).



Permission 07/00059/WAS

Planning Permission (07/00059/WAS) was granted in December 2007, which permitted the erection of three buildings for the collection and transfer of dry recyclables, and the processing of non-hazardous, biodegradable waste. The proposed development will utilise one of the buildings for waste acceptance and processing procedures linked to the proposed AD facility. Permission 10/00012/NMA

A non-material permission was granted amending permission SN/07/0394 to include a condition stating the approved documents, and was granted on 12th March 2010. Permission 10/00013/NMA

A non-material permission was granted amending permission 07/00059/WAS to include a condition stating the approved documents, and was granted on 12th March 2010. Other Permissions

Permission SO10332AG

On 10 April 2001 planning permission was granted (SO10332AG) by South Northamptonshire District Council for the erection of an agricultural building. This has been implemented with the construction of the foundations, although the building has not yet been erected. Permission SN/02/407C

On 25 June 2002 planning permission was granted (SN/02/407C) for deep clamp composting, to provide material for spreading on the farm. This permission was subject to various conditions including: • limitation of operating hours to 7.30am to 6.00pm Monday to Fridays and 8.00am to 1.00pm on Saturdays, with no operations on Sundays or Public Holidays; • mound height limitation of 3.5m; • operation of the site in accordance with an approved scheme for pollution control; • implementation of a landscaping scheme of hedges and trees. Permission SN/04/1033C

On 30 September 2004 planning permission was granted (SN/04/1033C) for the change of use and extension of former agricultural buildings to provide an enclosed reactor composting facility. The application was for 5,000 tonnes per annum. This permission was subject to various conditions including: • commencement by 30 September 2006; • composting of kitchen, catering and ABPR Category 3 waste only. This permission has been commenced, by the construction of the foundations for the building extension, but no waste imports have yet started.



SITE SUMMARY

The development will sit within the already established parameters of the permissions that are listed above. The history of the Blackpits Barn site as a waste transfer and treatment facility allows for the proposed development to be an evolution of the previous stated permissions. Precedence has been set in relation to the authorisation of the Anaerobic Digestion process and its associated technology at the site through extant permission SN/07/0394. Whilst the physical dimensions will be increased by the proposed development, the operational processes will be of similar principles to the existing permission. In line with this, the waste throughput will remain the same as the previous development with regard to the utilisation of up to 30,000 tonnes per annum of waste at the plant. The 30,000 tonnes per annum increase will not alter from the permitted levels of SN/07/0394, as it will be the same combined level as was to be processed by the AD and IVC facilities. As it is the goal of the proposed development to replace the IVC facility and expand the AD facility in terms of its processing capacity up to the 30,000 tonnes per annum throughput then the precedence will remain as permitted. The SN/07/039 permission has been implemented via the construction of the surface water storage lagoon at the south eastern end of the site along with the alterations that have been undertaken with respect to the access arrangements that were a part of the permission. Whist the development of the initial AD facility only stretched as far as the initial engineering of the underground fermentation tanks, the combination of these aspects indicate the implementation of the permission. Permission 07/0059 will be utilised through the use of the permitted waste transfer building that will accept the waste streams and where initial processing will occur before being transferred into the AD plant. Implementation of this permission has been done so through the engineering of the buildings foundations along with the construction of the adjacent Dial-a-Bin building. The development will therefore utilise the existing foundations and complete the construction process for the waste acceptance building. The Blackpits Barn site is a proven well run and efficient waste site. The associated operational processes at the site have all in some form either been permitted and/or implemented at the site. This indicates the suitability of the site to deal with the operations and the development of the AD facility. It is proposed that the operation of the AD facility will occur successfully within largely similar parameters to those that are already authorised.

DESIGN AND ACCESS STATEMENT





GP PLANNING LTD DESIGN AND ACCESS STATEMENT

M004-01 Design and Access Statement / NM 1 05/07/11

DESIGN AND ACCESS

Introduction

This Design and Access Statement is submitted to Northamptonshire County Council, on behalf of Material Change Ltd, in conjunction with a planning application for an Anaerobic Digestion facility at the Blackpits Barn site, Helmdon. The Design and Access Statement accords with industry guidance, Design and Access Statements how to read, write and use them (CABE, 2007), and the requirements of Northamptonshire County Council, set out in the Northamptonshire County Councils Local List Requirements. The Design and Access Statement considers the following in relation to the proposed development:

Use of the Site Amount of Development Layout Scale Landscape Appearance Access

Use of the Site

The site is currently used as a waste transfer station and composting site that accept 55,000 tonnes per annum of food and green waste from Local Authority and Private waste collections. The proposal seeks to build upon an additional permission that was gained in 2007 that authorised the development of an Anaerobic Digestion facility and an In-Vessel Composting (IVC) facility each accepting 15,000 tonnes of wet food waste and dry food waste respectively. The combined 30,000 tonnes permitted by permission SN/07/0394 is in addition to the original 55,000 tonnes accepted by the waste transfer and composting facility. This application does not seek to increase the tonnage of waste processed as the site.

Amount of Development

The proposed development seeks to change the development set out in permission SN/07/0394 with regard to the replacement of the IVC facility with the construction of a larger Anaerobic Digestion facility accepting up to 30,000 tonnes per annum of food waste. The proposal therefore seeks to gain authorisation for the construction of the Anaerobic Digestion facility and also the proposed Silage Clamp for storage of grown crops. Layout



The proposed layout is shown in plan M004-01-10-01 Proposed Site Layout Plan. Waste will be accepted into the already consented waste acceptance building for processing before discharge into the Anaerobic Digestion plant. Once treated the in the AD the dry waste will be transferred off site for use as an agricultural fertiliser, with the methane gas that is produced throughout the AD process being combusted via the energy production process. The Anaerobic Digestion facility will be situated in place of the previous AD and IVC facilities that were permitted by SN/07/0394. The proposed development will therefore sit to the south of the waste acceptance building. As a part of the AD process, grown crop will be mixed with the accepted waste streams in order to develop a feedstock that maximises the energy recovery potential of the AD facility. For operational purposes the silage clamp, where the grown crop product is to be stored, has been placed directly to the east of the AD facility for ease of access. The combined heat and power plant will be situated to the north east of the AD facility along the western side of the waste acceptance building. It will be also be bordered along its southern side by the liquid storage lagoon. It location to the rear of the waste acceptance building will ensure that there is sufficient segregation between the operational processes associated with the AD facility and the liquid storage lagoon, which has been done in the interests of safety. Scale

Anaerobic Digestion facility and associated components

The associated components to be installed are listed below, along with their dimensions;

Waste Reception Building 2 No. Loading Hopper 2 No. Primary Fermentation Tanks – the tank stands at approximately 8.7m high (above

ground level) with an external diameter of 19.22m. The Intermediate Building – this component of the plant sits between the primary and

secondary fermentation tanks, and houses the pumping equipment. Its dimensions are, 7m in length x 7m wide x 3m high.

2 No. Secondary Fermentation Tanks – the domed concrete building at 12.8m high (above ground level), with an external diameter of 30.82m.

2 No. Dewatering Presses Lagoon – for liquid storage, with a volume of 2,500 cubic metres. Combined Heat and Power Unit Building – the CHP building contains the generator and

its associated components. It is 12.2m in length x 2.4m in width x 2.7m high. It has an associated gas flare 3m high.


Appearance and Landscape

Appearance



The waste acceptance building will be the same design as the one that is currently erected on site. On the requests of the local neighbours the building will be painted grey to limit its intrusion on the surrounding area. The cylindrical fermentation tanks will be of two differing dimensions as stated above. The primary fermentation tank has a flat roof with ladder access, with unfinished concrete external wall. The larger secondary fermentation tank will have a domed roof, again the external wall be left as unfinished concrete. The domed roof of the secondary fermentation tanks will be finished in mid ‘goosewing’ grey. The silage clamps will be situated in the south-east of the site. The external concrete walls that stand at 2.63m high be covered by soil built up to its full height. The liquid storage lagoon will be situated along the western boundary of the waste acceptance building. Whilst the lagoon will provide limited visual intrusion due to it being set into the ground, security fencing will be constructed around its perimeter. Landscape

The landscape scheme seeks to build upon the current planting and also the committed planting proposals at the Blackpits Barn site. The extent of the planting is shown by drawing GPP/MC/H/11/08 Planting Plan. It is proposed to provide an array of new planting to supplement the current planting on site. The current access route and the site boundary along Welsh Way are currently lined with young trees. These trees will remain, with additional native deciduous woodland to be planted along the western edge of the rerouted access. A double hedgerow of mixed native species will be planted along the western side of the site, to the rear of the waste acceptance building and the Anaerobic Digestion facility. The hedgerow will undertake a dual role of providing some visual screening along the western boundary whilst also providing a physical barrier protecting components of the AD facility such as the liquid storage lagoon. The current wooded area to the south of the site will also be supplemented with additional native deciduous woodland. The increase in the wooded area at this location will provide visual screening of the AD plant to the south when established. The development of the wooded area will also increase the potential for extra biodiversity in the area. The area around the fermentation tanks will be planted with a native wildflower and grassland mix, with the seeded area to be bordered by a gravel maintenance path. The planting to the east of the site, as shown by plan GPP/MC/H/11/08 will again consist of native deciduous woodland species and will provide benefits in terms of visual screening of the silage clamp and the components of the AD facility, along with increased opportunity for the establishment of further biodiversity. Access

No public access is allowed to the site, therefore there is no requirement for the provision for access for those with less mobility. The site access is onto the B4525 (known locally as Welsh Way). The B4525 east from the site joins the A43 at a grade separate junction near Syresham, 2 miles north of Brackley. From the farm access to



the A43 junction is a distance of 3 miles. The A43 has recently been improved to dual-carriageway standard from the M40 Junction 12 to the M1 junction 15a and on into Northampton. The access track connecting the AD facility to the B4525 will be altered with regard to the layout shown in permission SN/07/0394. This approved layout will be incorporated into the development in order to divert the traffic using the access track away from the residential property at the site entrance.

CATCHMENT AREA STATEMENT

PLANNIG APPLICATION FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN ANAEROBIC DIGESTION FACILITY AND ASSOCIATED OPERATIONAL PROCESS TO REPLACE

PREVIOUSLY APPROVED IVC FACILITY



GP PLANNING LTD CATCHMENT AREA STATEMENT

M004-1 Catchment Area Statement / NM 1 15/07/11

Introduction

This document sets out the supporting information for the waste catchment area that will be serviced by the proposed Anaerobic Digestion facility at Balckpits Barn, Helmdon. Planning Policy Context

National Planning Policy

National planning policy is underpinned by the core agenda of sustainable development. Planning Policy Statement 1: Delivering Sustainable Development is the guiding policy that each level of planning policy and consequently planning applications are referenced against in their formulation and determination, respectively. As such the waste catchment area to be utilised by the proposed Anaerobic Digestion facility has been considered with the sustainable development agenda at its core. County Planning Policy

Core Strategy

The Northamptonshire Minerals and Waste Development Framework sets out the guiding policy that the proposed Anaerobic Digestion facility should be gauged against. Reference to the need for catchment areas to control the distance from which the waste streams will travel to each waste facility is referenced in the MWDF Core Strategy adopted May 2010. Paragraph 4.16 indicates that for reasons of sustainability that the collection of waste streams should be kept to a minimum. Within the sustainability agenda, the potential for Northamptonshire to develop as a waste hub to a wider geographical area is acknowledged as an issue to which practical measures should be taken to mitigate against the potential of such arisings. As such it is required that each waste facility should operate within the bounds of a catchment area that is deemed to be appropriate for the scale of that specific waste facility. Thus the need to identify an indicative waste catchment area is required within planning policy. Control and Management of Development DPD

The Control and Management of Development DPD which was adopted in June 2011 sets out the principles of the development with regard to the waste streams that are accepted at a waste facility and is a material consideration in the determination of a planning application. Sustainability principles are indicated within the DPD as the core reason for the management of waste streams to occur within the vicinity of its creation. The DPD document states the criteria in which each facility is to be measured against with regard to their scale. The classifications are National, Regional, Sub-Regional, Local and Neighbourhood facilities. Each of these facilities has a list of criterion that indicates the scale of development and the bounds in which the waste is to be derived from, and as such the catchment area for the facility. Sub-Regional

Waste to be managed on site originates from within Northamptonshire or an equivalent geographical area. May include a wide variety of waste types including MSW, C&D, and green waste. The facility supports the waste hierarchy and is not for the disposal of waste, unless this is the last available option.



Development and Implementation Principles Supplementary Planning Document

The Control and Development Implementation Principles SPD forms a part of the Minerals and Waste Development Framework portfolio. The SPD is intended to form a practical guide with regard to the interpretation of planning policy and within the formulation of a planning application. In respect to the need to provide an illustrative plan showing the extent of the waste catchment area that will service a specific waste facility, the SPD sets the parameters for the extent of the permitted geographical area.

The Existing Site

The existing Blackpits Barn site currently exists as an operational waste transfer and treatment facility dealing with green and food waste. The main operation at the waste facility currently is the green waste composting facility which has the ability to treat up to 50,000 tonnes per annum of green waste. The waste is delivered to the site via refuse collection vehicles and delivered for treatment via the open windrow composting process. In relation to the established operation, permission was gained in 2007 for the development of an Anaerobic Digestion facility and an In-Vessel Composting facility at the site. Permission SN/07/0394 was granted allowing the acceptance of an extra 30,000 tonnes per annum of biodegradable waste of a non-hazardous nature to be processed within the AD and IVC facilities. Condition 14 of the permission provides the restriction on the waste streams for which processing can occur on site. The condition is stated as follows;

‘All waste materials to be processed at the site shall originate from sources within a 20 mile radius of the site.’

The Proposed Development

The proposed development builds upon the existing permission gained at the site with regard to developing the precedence of the permitted AD facility. It is proposed to replace the IVC component of the permission and develop a larger AD facility to treat the 30,000 tonnes per annum of the biodegradable waste of a non-hazardous nature. The development at Blackpits Barn, Helmdon seeks to be classified within the sub-regional category and to therefore accept waste from the geographical area stated within the criteria in the DPD document. In light of this, it is proposed that the facility will accept waste from a range of urban and rural locations. Building upon the 20 mile radius principle set by permission SN/07/0394, the development will accept waste streams derived from an area stretching to 28.5 m (46 km) at its widest point. The facility will accept waste from the following urban areas.;

Milton Keynes - 17 m (27.5 Km) Northampton - 15.5 m (25 Km) Daventry – 12.7 m (20.5 Km) Kettering – 28.5m (46 Km) Wellingborough – 25 m (40 Km) Coventry -27 m (44 Km)



Warwick and Leamington Spa – 22 m (35.5 Km) The distances shown are approximate measurement from the waste facility at Blackpits Barn to the centre of each of the urban areas. As stated above, the facility seeks to accept waste from approximately 46 Km away at its furthest point from Kettering. The accepted waste catchment area has been skewed to treat waste sources to the north of the site, and will therefore service a large part of the county. This catchment area is illustrated on GPP/MC/M/11/05. Justification

Previous Planning Condition

In line with the sub-regional scale facility the development will comply with the Draft Development and Implementation Principles Supplementary Planning Document. Table SPD3 indicates that a sub-regional facility will cover an approximate area of 2,360Km2 or have a maximum catchment area radius of 17 miles. Whilst the development fits within the criteria set within the sub-regional classification it is not proposed that the accepted waste streams at the site should be restricted to the 17 mile maximum radius figure quoted in table SPD3 of the development and Implementation Principles SPD; as stated above. The initial reason for this is linked to the already granted permission SN/07/0394 which has a condition limiting the waste streams to be derived from a 20 mile catchment area. To impose a reduced catchment area on the facility would therefore be unfair and counter-productive in terms of the efficient running of the facility. The Core Strategy supports the action of not placing inappropriate constraints on the waste facilities in terms of the extent of the waste streams that they utilise; as shown below,

The Core Strategy recognises that waste management is becoming more specialised and is also a higher value industry than previously. It is not appropriate to oppose facilities serving wider catchments when other industries and commercial enterprises are not so constrained.

It is considered that there is a need for the development to be able to service a geographical area outside of the 17 to 20 mile radius, due to the potential benefits that the facility will provide. This argument is furthered by the following sections. Specialist Facility

Anaerobic Digestion facilities are classed by Box CMD2: Functional role of waste management facilities of the CMD DPD as preliminary treatment facilities. Despite this classification, it is proposed that the facility will have a more significant role within the geographical area covered by its targeted waste streams. As such, the role of the facility in dealing with waste streams form the indicated catchment area on plan GPP/MC/H/11/05 will be an important one due to the two fold benefits that will be derived from the waste treatment process. The ability to produce renewable energy and also an agricultural fertiliser from a single waste acceptance and treatment process will be an invaluable asset to the county and the geographical area that it covers.



It is accepted that within the boundaries set by planning policy that the facility is not considered a specialist facility; however the nature of the service that will be provided and the lack of similar facilities within the defined area means that the facility will take on a specialist role within the context of its locality. In light of this, it is proposed that whilst only being a sub-regional facility, the waste will bederived from a larger geographical area due to the lack of similar facilities in the indicated area. The demand for such a facility in light of national, regional and local waste recycling and re-use goals indicate that to limit the facility to a reduced catchment area would again be counter-productive. Its interaction with the established Anaerobic Digestion facility at Rothwell Lodge Farm, Rothwell, Kettering has been acknowledged within the formulation of the targeted catchment area. The 30,000 tonne facility at Rothwell, has a 30 mile catchment area restriction conditioned within its permission (09/00033/WAS). Whilst there will be an overlap between the two facilities in terms of the waste streams that are treated by the facilities, the utilisation of the two facilities in waste treatment for the county would be beneficial. Despite this, the consideration that the facility provides a specialist service to the indicated geographical catchment area is maintained. In addition, it would be considered inappropriate to provide different restrictions to similar facilities within the same county. Sustainable Location

The location of the regional scale facility within the rural hinterland is compliant with section 6.17 of Northamptonshires Minerals and Waste Development Framework Core Strategy, which states;

Facilities provided for within the rural hinterlands should have a local or neighbourhood catchment and should mainly be for preliminary treatment. Facilities located within the rural hinterlands may also include those whose siting is incompatible with, or not complementary to, urban development; for example due to facility operational requirements (such as in the case of anaerobic digestion). In such circumstance, the facility should deal with waste generated from identified urban centres and be appropriately located to serve those centres.

Its central location within the targeted area for waste collection strengthens the sustainable credentials of the development through the minimisation of the travel to the site. The site is located quite centrally between the major urban locations that will be served by the facility. This ties in with the core strategy agenda for sustainable waste management locations as stated within Policy CS1, Policy CS2 and also Policy CMD1 and Policy CMD2. The ability to collect waste from cross-border flows, is linked to its geographical position within the south of the county. Additionally, the cross-border flows indicate the importance of developing the facility for the geographical area as a whole. This sits within the bounds of cross-border working between local authority and private waste collections and the sustainability agenda. This aspect of the development and the waste that will be accepted fits in with the criteria set within the definition of a sub-regional waste facility. As stated by the Control and Management of Development DPD, a key component of the sub-regional categorisation is stated as follows,

‘Waste to be managed on site originates from within Northamptonshire or an equivalent geographical area.’

As such, the identified geographical area included within the illustrative catchment area plan conforms to the core values of a sub-regional facility.

LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL AMENITY APPRAISAL



BLACKPITS BARN, HELMDON, BRACKLEY, NN13 5QD


GP PLANNING LTD LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL AMENITY

M004-01 Landscape and Visual Amenity / LB 1 12/07/11

INTRODUCTION

Appointment and Brief

GP Planning Ltd was appointed by Material Change Ltd to prepare a landscape and visual appraisal to accompany a planning application for an Anaerobic Digestion Facility at Blackpits Barn, Helmdon, Northamptonshire. This report describes the approach taken and the findings of the appraisal, including a review of the site and local landscape character, the visual amenity, and an assessment of the appropriateness of the proposed development. The Site

Blackpits Barn is an established waste transfer and composting site, which has been developed in recent years as a farm diversification project. The scale of the waste related business has grown to meet the demand to facilitate the diversion of waste from landfill. The site is located south of the B4525 down an access road of approximately 320m in length. The site is in the parish of Helmdon, in the District of South Northamptonshire. The site access is onto the B4525 (known locally as Welsh Way). The B4525 east from the site joins the A43 at a grade separated junction near Syresham, 2 miles north of Brackley. From the farm access to the A43 junction is a distance of 3 miles. The A43 has been improved to dual-carriageway standard from the M40 Junction 12 to the M1 Junction 15a and on into Northampton. West of the farm Welsh Way joins the A422 just east of the M40 Junction 11 and thus to Banbury, a distance of 7 miles. The site lies in generally undulating countryside and in particular on a south facing slope. Towards the B4525 the access road rises gradually to a height of 7m above the application site. The countryside is typified by large fields with boundary hedgerows, with scattered trees and copses. The landform provides a degree of natural screening from several aspects. The existing buildings and structures at the site lie at the centre of a block of agricultural land that comprises the farm holding, which is largely used for arable crop production. The wider area is also largely agricultural, with scattered farmhouses and some commercial properties. Approach to the Appraisal

The approach to the appraisal was informed by the brief and follows published guidance on landscape character assessment tailored to suite the particular requirements of the study. The Landscape Character Assessment – Guidance for England and Scotland (2002, Countryside Agency and Scottish Natural Heritage) sets out important principles for the assessment of landscape character. As guidance, the document does not explicitly identify a rigid methodology, but does outline best practice and key concepts. In addition, the methodology outlined in the Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment 2nd Edition (2002, The Landscape Institute and Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment) was applied, where appropriate to the nature and scale of this appraisal.



The appraisal was undertaken by a qualified landscape architect (a Chartered Member of the Landscape Institute) with experience in similar studies. The appraisal process involved two main components:

Desk Study: A review of documents, plans and other material relevant. Field Survey: By a qualified landscape architect undertaking a visual and landscape

analysis from public rights of way and other accessible land, undertaken in July 2011.



LANDSCAPE CHARACTER

Introduction

The assessment of landscape character is an objective process that provides factual information about a particular locality. It does not attribute a place with a subjective account of its relative quality, sensitivity or capacity and nor does it prescribe whether particular forms of development or landscape change are appropriate or inappropriate. As a result the appropriateness of the proposed development will be assessed separately to landscape character in this appraisal. In England, a hierarchy exists from the broad scale national character assessment at the top tier, through regional and county scale assessments to those at the district scale. At the most detailed level, site specific landscape character assessments are undertaken. Each level in the hierarchy should, in principal, add detail to the layer above, with the broader scale assessment providing a context and framework. Each level in the hierarchy is considered in turn. National Scale Landscape Character

The top tier in the assessment hierarchy is represented by the national Countryside Character Assessment undertaken by the Countryside Agency. This assessment identifies 159 Countryside Character Areas and descriptive text is provided in 8 regional volumes. The site is located within Countryside Character Area (CCA) 91 Yardley Whittlewood Ridge at the border with CCA 89 Northamptonshire Vales and CCA 95 Northamptonshire Uplands. The key characteristics of CCA 91 are as follows:

Broad plateau with shallow soils elevated above adjacent vales. A strong historic landscape character, largely due to the continued presence of extensive

areas of ancient woodland. Mixed land uses of pasture, arable and woodland. Generally medium-sized fields with full hedges and hedgerow trees, mainly oak. Low density of settlement and consequently few local roads; cut through by major

north-south canal, rail and road routes. District and Local Scale Landscape Character

Northamptonshire Landscape Characterisation Project Current Landscape

Character Assessment

At the district scale of assessment a landscape character assessment was undertaken for Northamptonshire, known as the Northamptonshire Landscape Characterisation Project. The site is located within Landscape Character Area 6 Undulating Claylands. The key characteristics of this character area are:

Boulder Clay deposits overlie almost the entire landscape, revealing little surface expression of the varying underlying geological framework of Oolitic White Limestone and Ironstones associated with the Northamptonshire Sands Formation;



broad, elevated undulating landscape that is more elevated to the west shelving eastwards and drained by numerous broad, gentle convex sloped valleys; wide panoramic views across elevated areas, though the undulating landform creates more contained and intimate areas; a productive rural landscape with an equal balance of arable and pastoral farming with the former predominating on more elevated land and often larger in scale, although arable land can be found along valley bottoms where sand and gravel deposits are located; hedgerows are often low and well clipped emphasising the undulating character of the landscape with scattered hedgerow oak and ash trees; post and wire fencing frequently reinforces gappy hedgerows, in particular where pasture is the current use; settlement beyond the villages includes scattered enclosure age farmsteads and isolated dwellings, located at the end of short access tracks and adjacent to the roadside;

Specifically, the area is identified as located within 6a The Tove Catchment. The Tove Catchment character area lies to the south-west of Northampton and comprises the largest of the Undulating Claylands. The area forms the catchment of the River Tove, which originates north of Sulgrave. Flowing eastwards from more elevated land to the west of the area, the river is fed by a dendritic pattern of streams from the north and south until the river itself becomes a significant landscape feature east of Towcester, forming part of the River Valley Floodplain. The streams have eroded broad, gentle, convex sloped valleys, resulting in the distinctive undulating landform. The streams are of limited scale, however, with undulations therefore varying in size, with many not evident in the landscape as river valleys.

Land cover is typically a combination of both arable and pasture farming with improved pasture largely located around village settlements bordering the River Tove and its tributaries, and also on sloping valley sides. Where pastoral fields predominate, a more intricate and intimate pattern prevails.

The landscape is relatively well settled with numerous villages scattered throughout the area. Prominent within many villages are church spires, providing local landmarks throughout the area and punctuating the horizon. The landscape beyond the villages is generally well settled with numerous farms and dwellings, although some areas are devoid of any development and often have an unoccupied character.

Various features of heritage interest are scattered across the Tove Catchment. Medieval field systems are frequently found within close proximity to a number of villages such as Moreton Pinkney, Sulgrave, Weston, Helmdon, Easton Neston, and Paulerspury. Areas of ridge and furrow are also in evidence and may generally be found in close proximity to villages. However, isolated patches can also be observed throughout the rural landscape.

Key characteristics of the site and local area are as follows:

Undulating landform with a combination of arable and pasture field on sloping valley sides. Occasional woodland. Isolated villages. Scattered rural dwellings and farms.



Site Scale Landscape Character

Desk study of the existing landscape character assessments provides an important overview of the site within its wider landscape context, at a national, district and local level. The detailed character of the site is understood from field survey, and is described as follows, essentially refining the broader scale landscape character assessments. The site and the Blackpits Barn waste transfer and composting site displays many of the characteristics of the surrounding landscape. Key characteristics of the site and local area are as follows:

Undulating landform with a combination of arable and pasture field on sloping valley sides. Occasional woodland. Isolated villages. Scattered rural dwellings and farms.

The site contains a number of landscape features which contribute to this character. Of particular note are the mixed native hedgerows with mature hedgerow trees which define the site boundary in places and create internal division within the site. In addition, there is a small woodland copse located in the south of the waste transfer and composting site. Recently introduced landscape elements include the creation of a large landscape bund to the south east and east of the site, and a range of young native mixed woodland planting. These features do not detract from the existing landscape character and seek to enhance it. The principle landscape bunds are located to the east of the greenwaste composting area and south of the timber storage area. The landscape bund east of the greenwaste composting area is larger, up to 4m in some places, and provides physical containment to these operations. The smaller landscape bund south of the timber storage area, again provides visual containment and screening, and ties into the existing undulating topography of the arable field to the south. Young native mixed woodland planting is concentrated adjacent to the access track and east of the access track following the boundary with the B4525. This planting is approximately 3 – 5 years old. Primary species include oak and ash. South of the site in field corners are groups of similar but younger woodland planting. These elements are illustrated in Photopanels D and E, on Drawing GPP/MC/H/11/06. Landscape Designations

There are no national or local level landscape designations within the site or within proximity to the site.



VISUAL AMENITY

Introduction

This section of the report seeks to analyse the visual environment and visual amenity of receptors, and includes consideration of the sensitivity of particular views. Views from Within the Site

Views from within the Blackpits Barn waste transfer and composting site are restricted by undulating landform and vegetation. Topography and landform restrict views particularly to the north, the B5425 following a local ridge line. There is undulating landform south towards the village of Radstone, which allows some channelled views along river valleys. Linear hedgerows with hedgerow trees along field boundaries and in river valleys break up views. Copses and woodland, particularly Halse Copse, shorten views. From within the site the following are notable in views:

Roof of Redlands House to the north Southern portion of Halse Copse to the south west Halse Water Tower to the south west Radstone Church tower to the south Hedgerow and hedgerow trees along the Helmdon to Radstone road to the east Ashvale Gwebi chicken farm silos to the north west

Views to the Site

Similarly, views to the Blackpits Barn waste transfer and composting site are restricted by undulating landform and vegetation. Principal views are from the south west, south and south east. From the north there are glimpsed views to the site from the B5425 through breaks in roadside hedgerows, between Ashvale Gwebi and the junction with the Helmdon to Radstone local road. In these views the white roof of the existing Dial-a-Bin building is visible against the sky, whilst the remainder of the site slopes away from the viewer and the other existing buildings are visible against an undulating well vegetated arable landscape backdrop. From the south and west there are intermittent views of the site from the PROW which extends south west from the site to the south east corner of Halse Copse. These views are only intermittent due to the undulating topography, there will be no views from within the river valley north east of Halse Copse, and due to the presence of hedgerows and hedgerow trees. South of the site the PROW extends north east to the junction of the B5425 and the Helmdon to Radstone local road. Along this section of the PROW there are also intermittent views of the site. In these views the existing buildings on site are clearly visible. However, there are significant portions of the site screened in views by the existing landscape bunds. Due to its elevated position and orientation there are some long range views of the site from the northern edge of the village of Radstone and parts of the PROW network north of Radstone. In these views the roof of the existing Dial-a-Bin building is visible in the centre of the view below the horizon



line with mature woodland vegetation both in front and behind. No other site features are visible. The roof of Redlands House is notable on the horizon line. Visual Receptors

Visual receptors are those who are receptors of visual effects as a result of a change to the visual environment. They include the public or community at large, residents, visitors and other groups of viewers. The sensitivity of the visual receptors to change varies depending on the nature of their interests, activity and viewing opportunity. Residential viewers are regarded as being of the highest sensitivity as a consequence of their proprietary interest. Commercial viewers might also be regarded as sensitive for similar reasons. Motorists and pedestrians can be regarded as having a lower sensitivity as a consequence of their temporal viewing opportunities and engagement in other activities. Visual receptors have been identified and include:

Local residents at Redlands House Users of the immediate PROW network, particularly the PROW south and east of the

site. Users of the local road B4525. Site visitors and workers. Agricultural workers. Local residents at Radstone Users of the PROW network north of Radstone



APPROPRIATENESS OF PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT

Introduction

Consideration is given to the appropriateness of the site for the location of the proposed Anaerobic Digestion Facility. The proposed development is for an Anaerobic Digestion (AD), accepting 30,000 tonnes per annum of green waste and grown crop product, (likely to be in the form of maize) to produce renewable energy for utilisation in the local area and to be fed back into the National Grid. The associated components to be installed are listed below;

Waste Reception Building 2 No. Loading Hopper 2 No. Primary Fermentation Tanks – the tank stands at approximately 8.7m high (above

ground level) with an external diameter of 19.22m, it has a flat roof with ladder access and the external wall will be of unfinished concrete.

The Intermediate Building – this component of the plant sits between the primary and secondary fermentation tanks, and houses the pumping equipment. Its dimensions are, 7m in length x 7m wide x 3m high.

2 No. Secondary Fermentation Tanks – the domed concrete building at 12.8m high (above ground level), with an external diameter of 30.82m. The external wall will be unfinished concrete with a mid ‘Goosewing’ grey material dome.

2 No. Dewatering Presses Lagoon – for liquid storage, with a volume of 2,500 cubic metres. Combined Heat and Power Unit Building – the CHP building contains the generator and

its associated components. It is 12.2m in length x 2.4m in width x 2.7m high. It has an associated gas flare 3m high.


Appropriateness of Proposed Development in Relation to Landscape Character

The proposed development is located at an existing waste transfer and composting facility, within a rural agricultural setting. The type of development proposed, by virtue of its inherent nature, is considered to be characteristic of the site and its immediate context. It is noted however, that the installation of the proposed development will result in the loss of hedgerow and some deciduous trees and scrub vegetation. The hedgerows within the site are noted as important characteristic landscape features. It is suggested that this loss is mitigated by the provision of new hedgerows and extensive woodland planting. This is illustrated on GPP/MC/H/11/08 Landscape Plan. Appropriateness of Proposed Development in Relation to Visual Amenity

The site is considered to be visually contained with views from and to the site primarily restricted to its immediate vicinity. There are existing built features within the waste transfer and composting site that



are visually distinctive (for example, the white roof of the existing Dial-a-Bin building), which results in them becoming landmark features in views. The proposed development includes a range of elements of varying sizes and shapes. Those likely to the most visually prominent are the primary and secondary fermentation tanks. The ancillary structures, liquid storage lagoon and silage clamp will be screened in views either by landform, vegetation or other elements of the proposed development. From the north the domed roofs of the secondary fermentation tanks will be visible alongside the roof of the existing Dial-a-Bin building and permitted Waste Reception Building. It is proposed that all of these structures will have mid grey ‘Goosewing’ grey roofs, to mitigate their potential visual prominence against the skyline in views. It is also noted that from the north the residents of Redlands House will similar views of the proposed development. However, this property is of a dormer bungalow construction with minimal second floor windows, with the primary façade orientated away from the site towards the B5425. In addition, the garden of the property is bounded by mixed hedgerow of greater than 2m in height. In views from the south and south west along the PROW network again the roofs of the secondary fermentation tanks will be visible situated in front of the existing Dial-a-Bin building and permitted Waste Reception Building in these views. The foreground of these views will include the existing network of hedgerows and hedgerow trees to the south of the site and the existing small woodland copse. The woodland copse and hedgerow network will be strengthened through additional planting, which will serve to provide greater future visual screening of the proposed development. In addition, from the south and south west there will be glimpsed views of the primary fermentation tanks and vehicles moving between the silage clamp and the loading hoppers, subject to the viewer’s proximity to the site. If the viewer were travelling south west to north east along the PROW near the site the proposed development would become more prominent in views as they pass by east of the timber storage area. In these views the majority of the Anaerobic Digestion facility and associated ancillary infrastructure, Waste Reception building and movements within the site would be visible to some extent. In order to screen the proposed development woodland planting is proposed. In the long range views from the south the roofs of the proposed secondary fermentation tanks will be visible set aside the existing Dial-a Bin building and permitted Waste Reception building with a wooded backdrop. The proposed roof colour will ensure that these structures are not prominent features in the view. It is also important to note that the proposed facility will be constructed in phases. It is anticipated that the proposed development will be constructed in two phases; the first, to include one AD run and ancillary development; the second, to include the second AD run to allow capacity to be increased over time as sources for waste are secured. With the primary construction phase lasting for approximately 9 months. During this time there will be significant construction activity on site, in the form of plant and machinery. This will be notable in some views. The advantage of phasing the proposed development is that it will allow the proposed landscape mitigation measures to mature prior to the second AD run being installed. The proposed development is considered appropriate in terms of its potential for impacts on visual amenity.



Mitigation Measures

A number of mitigation measures are recommended to enhance the landscape character of the site and reduce the visual impact of the proposed facility. These include:

Mixed native hedgerow planting Native deciduous woodland planting Wildflower and grassland planting

These are illustrated further on GPP/MC/H/11/08 Landscape Plan.



SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS

Summary

In summary, an appraisal of landscape character and visual amenity has been undertaken at the Blackpits Barn waste transfer and composting site near Helmdon by GP Planning Ltd in July 2011. This revealed that the site contains a number of landscape features, which contribute to the landscape character of the locality, and that the site is relatively visually contained. The appropriateness for development in landscape character and visual amenity terms has been considered, particularly in relation to the proposed Anaerobic Digestion facility. Conclusions

In conclusion, the proposed development is considered appropriate to the location in both landscape character and visual amenity terms, subject to the implementation of the recommended mitigation measures.

1

Ecological and

Protected Species Survey

of Blackpits Barn,

Helmdon

Recycling facility from northeast

October 2011

Philip Irving

2

Contents

Page

SURVEYOR EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCE 3

DATE OF SURVEY 3

INTRODUCTION 3

Constraints

SITE DESCRIPTION 4

SUMMARY OF LAWS RELEVANT TO PROTECTED SPECIES AND

HEDGEROWS 10

Bats

Barn Owls and Nesting Birds

Great Crested Newts and Reptiles

Hedgerows

METHODOLOGY 13

RESULTS OF THE SURVEY 13

SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS 14

Habitats

Bats

Nesting Birds


PLAN 16

3

Blackpits Barn, Helmdon Ecological and Protected Species Survey

Surveyor Experience and Competence

This survey has been undertaken by Philip Irving, who works as a Senior Ecologist

with the Greensand Trust, a Countryside Management Project based in Bedfordshire.

He has worked for the Greensand Trust for over ten years providing ecological advice

on the management of Trust sites and writing management plans for them.

He also undertakes survey work for other organisations including habitat and

botanical surveys, and surveys for bats and other protected species. With particular

relevance to the current survey, he has held a Natural England Bat Licence (current

licence number 20112284) and been a member of the Bedfordshire Bat Group for

over 15 years.

Date of Survey: 12.10.11

Introduction

The area covered by the survey is subject to a planning application for the

construction of an Anaerobic Digestion facility and associated operational processes

to replace the existing IVC facility, and consists of a group of modern buildings,

storage and processing areas and adjacent farmland. Given that the presence of

protected species is a material consideration in the planning process (PPS9), a survey

is required to provide information to the local planning authority on any impact the

proposals are likely to have on any species present. Any impact identified on bats or

other protected species will need mitigation proposals to be put forward to the

planning authority to ensure any populations in the area are maintained at a

favourable conservation status.

The current survey is a follow-up to a habitat and protected species survey that was

carried out in September 2006 by Philip Irving. During this survey, no evidence of

bats, barn owls or any other protected species was recorded in the buildings at the site,

with only a few passes of foraging common pipistrelles recorded during the evening

bat detector survey.

The aims of the current survey are to:

Describe the habitats and species that are present and assess their importance

for biodiversity.

Assess the current use of the buildings by bats and other protected species.

Assess hedgerows affected by the development against the Hedgerow

Regulations criteria.

Determine the impact of the proposed development on any protected species

using the land or building.

Produce a mitigation plan for any impact on the protected species to ensure

the population is maintained at a favourable conservation status in the local

area.

4

Constraints

Bat roosts are of a transient nature and bats may move from roost to roost. A single

bat may use a large number and wide variety of roosts during the year. This behaviour

may result in some roosting sites not being encountered during the dates of the

survey.

Site Description

The 6ha site is located just over 1km to the southwest of Helmdon south of the B4525

down an access road of approximately 320m in length at Ordnance Survey Grid

Reference SP583423.

The buildings at the site consist of an aluminium framed, canvas covered recycling

facility (see cover photo) with a modern steel framed corrugated steel shed to the

south, and a few portacabins to the east of these buildings.

Corrugated steel shed from east

Much of the area directly around the buildings consists of surfaced areas used for

storage, processing and car parking. The main materials and processing area to the

east of the barns is surrounded by high earth bunds covered in ruderal vegetation. This

is dominated by nettle (Urtica dioica) with a range of other species including hedge

bindweed (Calystegia sepium), creeping and spear thistle (Cirsium arvense and C.

vulgare), welted thistle (Carduus crispus), goosefoots (Chenopodium sp.), prickly

lettuce (Lactuca serriola), cow parsley Anthriscus sylvestris), cleavers (Galium

aparine), hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium), docks (Rumex sp.), white dead nettle

(Lamium album) various garden escapes and scattered young elder (Sambucus nigra)

regeneration.

5

Processing area and bunds in east of site

The area directly to the east of the main access road contains a lagoon and is

surrounded by disturbed, weedy grassland dominated by perennial rye grass (Lolium

perenne) with frequent red fescue (Festuca rubra) and occasional creeping bent

(Agrostis stolonifera) and Yorkshire fog (Holcus lanatus). Herbs present include

locally frequent wild carrot (Daucus carota) with occasional white clover (Trifolium

repens), bristly ox-tongue (Picris echioides), dandelion (Taraxacum officinalis),

kidney vetch (Anthyllis vulneraria), creeping, spear and welted thistle, ribwort

plantain (Plantago lanceolata), creeping buttercup (Ranunculus repens), selfheal

(Prunella vulgaris), smooth hawksbeard (Crepis capillaris) and common mouse-ear

(Cerastium fontanum), with small amounts of pendulous sedge (Carex pendula), ox-

eye daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare), black knapweed (Centaurea nigra) and lady’s

bedstraw (Galium verum).

Grassland to east of access road

Much of the rest of the site consists of a mix of bare ground, stored materials, ruderal

vegetation similar to that on the bunds, and disturbed/ephemeral grassland with

various weed species including mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris), shepherds purse

6

(Capsella bursa-pastoris), prickly sow-thistle (Sonchus asper), red dead nettle

(Lamium purpureum), sun spurge (Euphorbia helioscopia), common groundsel

(Senecio vulgaris), scentless mayweed (Tripleurospermum inodorum), common

mallow (Malva sylvestris), fat hen (Chenopodium album) and red valerian

(Centranthus ruber).

Stored materials at site

A large bund to the north of the buildings has been planted with a variety of young

trees including rowan (Sorbus aucuparia), ash (Fraxinus excelsior), sycamore (Acer

pseudoplatanus), willow sp. (Salix sp.), cherry (Prunus avium) and conifers with

scattered mature elder and hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) and a stand of dense

bramble (Rubus fruticosus) scrub, with nettle and rough grassland dominated by false

oat grass (Arrhenatherum elatius) and cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata) in the open

areas between the trees.

Bund with scrub and planted trees north of buildings

At the southern end of the site is a small area of young planted woodland containing

oak, ash, hawthorn, Norway maple (Acer platanoides), holly (Ilex aquifolium), lime

7

(Tilia vulgaris) and cherry (Prunus sp.), with a stand of conifers in the southwest

corner. Ivy and nettle dominate the field layer with occasional bramble.

Young woodland at south end of site

A strip of mown grassland to the east of the northern access road is planted with two

rows of young trees, mostly lime and oak sp., with occasional sycamore, walnut

(Juglans regia), hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) and maple sp. The grassland contains

frequent creeping buttercup, white clover and dandelion with occasional greater and

ribwort plantain. A further area of similar grassland and planted trees surrounds a car

park to the south of a short section of hawthorn hedge.

Grassland and planted trees to east of northern access road

A number of hedgerows border and lead from the site. The trimmed hedgerow on the

western side of the northern access road is c. 3m in height and contains a mix of

woody species including common and midland hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata),

elder, blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), English elm (Ulmus procera), ash (including a

single multi-stemmed standard), sycamore, conifer, dog rose (Rosa canina), apple

8

(Malus sp.), field maple (Acer campestre), bramble, ivy (Hedera helix) and black

bryony (Tamus communis).

Hedgerow to west of northern access road

An overgrown hedgerow running in an east-west direction in the east of the site is

c.4m in height, and dominated by blackthorn with occasional hawthorn, dog rose and

field maple. Other species at low frequency include ash, apple and bramble, with goat

willow (Salix caprea) and buddleia (Buddleia davidii) at its western end. Ivy

dominates the base of the hedge and covers a single ash standard which is almost dead

at the western end of the hedge, with a mature pedunculate oak (Quercus robur) at the

eastern end. The hedgerow continues eastwards into the adjacent farmland, and

contains more oak standards.

Eastern hedgerow from west end

Two sections of hedgerow on the site that are due to be removed as a result of the

development were assessed against the Hedgerow Regulations criteria. They are more

than 30 years old and unmanaged, and are numbered on the plan at the end of the

report and as follows:

9

Hedgerow 1 – About 4m high, 3m wide and 15m long. Five woody species,

mostly hawthorn with occasional apple, ash, blackthorn and field maple. No

significant woodland plant species are present, with ivy dominating the base

of the hedge. Two associated features present (a dry ditch running alongside

the hedge and continuing for about 20m to the north as a seasonally wet

ditch without a hedge overgrown with great willowherb (Epilobium

hirsutum), and being connected to the area of young woodland to the south).

Hedgerow 1 from south end

Hedgerow 2 – About 4-5m high, 3m wide and 30m long. Four woody

species, mostly hawthorn with occasional English elm, elder and dog rose,

with frequent bramble and ivy. No significant woodland plant species are

present, with ivy dominating the base of the hedge. A seasonally wet ditch

runs alongside it, dry at the current time. Two associated features present (a

ditch running alongside the hedge, and connected to a hedge along the track

to the south).

Hedgerow 2 from north end

To the south of the site is a long, narrow area of rough grassland and ruderal

vegetation. The land to the north and west of the site consists of improved sheep

grazed pasture with arable farmland to the south and east in hedged fields with

scattered trees and copses.

10

Rough grassland and ruderal vegetation to south of site

The closest site of ecological interest is the Helmdon Disused Railway Site of Special

Scientific Interest (SSSI) located c. 300m to the east of the site; and is a stretch of the

old Central Railway line that is scheduled because of its Jurassic limestone grassland

habitat. There are two sites of ecological interest to the west of the application site;

these are Biodiversity Action Plan Priority Habitats of wet woodland. They appear on

the OS map as two parts of Halse Copse, which lie 1km west of the proposed

development and 800m to the southwest.

Summary of Laws Relevant to Protected Species and Hedgerows

Bats

Throughout Europe in the last 30 years there has been an awareness that bat

populations are declining considerably. This decline combined with their special

roosting requirements has led to them being given special protection by law. All bats

and their roosts are protected by law under The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981

(as amended), through inclusion in schedule 5, section 9. From 1st April 2010, a new

version of the Habitats Regulations came into force in England and Wales to become

the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations. This version of the legislation

updates and consolidates all the amendments to the Regulations since they were first

made in 1994 and effectively makes any disturbance of bats an offence. In summary,

taken together the legislation makes it illegal to:

Intentionally kill, injure or capture bats;

Intentionally or recklessly disturb bats while they are occupying a structure

used for shelter or protection;

Intentionally or recklessly damage, destroy or obstruct access to areas used

by bats for shelter or protection.

Structures used by bats for shelter are commonly known as bat roosts. Because bats

tend to re-use the same roosts, legal opinion is that, the roost is protected whether or

not the bats are present at the time. The appropriate Statutory Nature Conservation

Organisation (SNCO) must be consulted of any work that may affect bats, or their

11

roosts. In England, the appropriate SNCO is Natural England who will advise as to

whether work can be carried out, and if so, the methods to be used.

Developments that would contravene the protection afforded to bats under the

Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 require a Habitat Regulations

Licence issued by Natural England before any works can commence. Three tests must

be satisfied before Natural England can issue a licence or permit otherwise prohibited

acts. The Local Planning Authority will need to ensure that tests 1 and 2 have been

satisfied and Natural England will need to be consulted regarding test 3. The three

tests are:

1. That the development is ‘in the interests of public health and public safety, or

for other imperative reasons of overriding public interest, including those of

social or economic nature and beneficial consequences of primary importance

for the environment’ (Regulation 44 (2) (e)).

2. That there is no satisfactory alternative (Regulation 44 (3) (a)).

3. That the action authorised will not be detrimental to the maintenance of the

population of the species at a favourable conservation status in their natural

range (Regulation 44 (3) (b)).

The legislation means that the developer will need to have a clearly documented

compensation strategy to maintain the numbers of bats in the local area.

Barn Owls and Nesting Birds

Nesting birds and schedule 1 birds such as barn owl are protected by law under The

Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 which makes it an offence to kill, injure or take

any wild bird, and take, damage, disturb or destroy any nest in use or being built or

any egg.


Great crested newts are protected by law under the Conservation of Habitats and

Species Regulations 2010, making it an offence to deliberately capture or kill them, to

destroy the eggs, or to damage or destroy a breeding place or resting site. Great

crested newts forage and hibernate in grassland, hedges and rubble up to 500m from a

pond.

All common native reptile species (grass snake, adder, common lizard and slow-

worm) are protected under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as

amended) which makes it illegal to intentionally kill or injure them.

Hedgerows

The Hedgerow Regulations 1997 are the main regulations aimed at protecting

hedgerows in their own right. These regulations are a part of the planning regulations.

They are administered by the district councils in England, county councils or county

borough councils in Wales, and by National Park Authority and Broads Authority.

12

These regulations, intended to protect important countryside hedges from removal,

apply only in England and Wales. It is against the law to remove most hedges without

permission. Removal is uprooting or otherwise destroying a hedgerow. Serious

damage to the root system or over-maintenance resulting in the death of the hedgerow

counts as removal.

There are a number of exceptions, including essential work carried out by the utilities

and emergency access. Proper maintenance, including drastic looking measures such

as coppicing, severe pruning and laying is allowed without specific permission.

The regulations only cover hedgerows that are at least 20m long or, if shorter,

connected to other hedgerows at both ends or part of a longer hedgerow. They must

be in or adjacent to common land, village greens, SSSIs, LNRs, or land used for

agriculture, forestry or breeding or keeping of horses, ponies or donkeys.

Garden hedges and former hedgerows that have grown to a line of trees are not

covered by the regulations. Trees within a hedgerow are considered to be a part of the

hedge.

To qualify as ‘important’, a hedgerow must be at least 30 years old and meet at least

one of the following eight criteria, which identify hedgerows of particular

archaeological, historical, wildlife and landscape value.

1. The hedgerow marks the boundary of a historic parish or township existing

before 1850.

2. The hedgerow incorporates an archaeological feature.

3. The hedgerow is a part of or associated with an archaeological site.

4. The hedgerow marks the boundary of or is associated with a pre-1600 AD

estate or manor.

5. The hedgerow forms an integral part of or is associated with a field system

pre-dating the Enclosures Act.

6. The hedgerow contains a listed species. These have to be listed the Wildlife

and Countryside Act 1981 either in Part I of Schedule 1 (birds protected by special

penalties), or Schedule 5 (other animals) or Schedule 8 (plants). In addition,

species listed in certain red data books qualify.

7. The hedgerow includes, on average, in a 30 metre length one of:

a) at least 7 woody shrub and tree species listed in the regulations.

b) at least 6 woody species and has at least 3 associated features.

c) at least 6 woody species including a black-poplar tree, large-leaved lime, small-

leaved lime or wild service tree.

8. The hedgerow runs alongside a bridleway, footpath, road used as a public path

or a byway open to all traffic, and includes at least four woody species, on average,

in a 30 metre length and has at least two associated features.

13

The associated features are:

1. A bank or wall supporting the hedgerow along at least half of its length.

2. Less than 10% gaps.

3. On average, at least one tree per 50 metres of hedge

4. At least three species from a list of 57 herbaceous woodland plants, including

bluebell, primrose, wild strawberry and assorted ferns and violets (see list below).

5. A ditch along at least a half of the length of the hedge.

6. A number of connections with other hedgerows, ponds or woodland.

7. A parallel hedge within 15 metres of the hedgerow.

Methodology

Following the habitat survey and hedgerow assessment, a thorough internal and

external inspection of the buildings at the site was made on the 12.10.11, and

evidence of use by bats and other protected species was looked for, for example

droppings, urine streaks, nesting/roosting sites, pellets, feeding remains or live

animals.

The potential of the trees at the site to support roosting bats was also assessed.

A bat detector survey using a Bat Box Duet detector was also undertaken at dusk on

the same day to check for any bats emerging from the buildings or foraging over the

site.

A refuge search of selected items lying on the ground was made to look for reptiles

and amphibians while carrying out the habitat survey.

Results

No evidence of bats, barn owls or any other protected species was recorded from the

buildings at the site. Bird species recorded from in and around the site consisted of

collared dove, woodpigeon, pheasant, carrion crow, jackdaw, magpie, robin,

blackbird, goldfinch, chaffinch, dunnock, wren, pied wagtail and great tit.

During the evening bat detector survey no bats were recorded emerging from the

buildings and the only bat recorded was a foraging common pipistrelle that flew east

over the site and along the eastern hedgerow at 6.53pm. The weather at the time of the

survey consisted of 50% cloud cover with a light breeze, and a temperature at the start

of 18oC.

No reptile or amphibian species were found during the refuge search of the site.

14

Summary and Recommendations

Habitats

The site is not of significant biodiversity interest, supporting no notable plant

communities, with no rare plant or animal species recorded, though the hedgerows

and young woodland are of general value for wildlife e.g. for nesting birds, and would

provide foraging habitat for bats, birds, invertebrates and small mammals.

Hedgerows are a priority habitat in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP), though

those at the site are not especially diverse, though do have a dense structure and

would be of general value for wildlife e.g. for nesting birds, and provide foraging

habitat for bats, birds, invertebrates and small mammals.

Neither of the two hedgerows that would be removed as a result of the proposed

development meet the Hedgerow Regulations as, though they are all at least 30 years

old, they do not meet any of the other criteria, being of no significant historic value

and not associated with any known archaeological features; not supporting any listed

species; containing only four or five woody species at best; and not running alongside

public rights of way. Hedgerow 1 is also less than 20m in length, and as it is not

connected to another hedgerow, is not covered by the Hedgerow Regulations.

The proposed development should not have any significant impact on the nearby SSSI

or the more distant woodland BAP habitats.

Bats

The inspection and emergence surveys recorded no evidence of bats from the

buildings and they are modern buildings that are of unsuitable construction to be

generally used by roosting bats.

The ash standard in the eastern hedgerow contains extensive deadwood in the crown

and the trunk is obscured by dense ivy that could hide potential bat roosting features,

though this is unlikely considering the size and age of the tree, with no bats recorded

emerging from it during the evening activity survey.

Common pipistrelles use the site as part of a larger foraging area though probably

roost in nearby agricultural buildings or in houses in Helmdon.

Bats and their roosts are protected by law under the Conservation of Habitats and

Species Regulations 2010 and a European Protected Species license to derogate from

this protection would be required to allow building or tree felling work to be

undertaken if a roost was present and the proposed activity is likely to result in an

offence, such as significant alterations to or loss of bat roosts. As the buildings or

trees are not used as roost sites an EPS licence would not be required for work to be

carried out on them. Even though a license would not be required the presence of bats

can never be completely discounted, and the following measures should be

implemented to reduce the potential impact of disturbance to hidden bats as a result of

the proposed development:

15

Any work affecting the buildings or mature trees at the site should be carried

out with care, with the trees checked beforehand, and if any bats are

discovered, work would need to stop and Natural England contacted for

advice.

Any new external lighting in the new development should be low level to

minimise any impact on foraging bats in the area.

All people working on the site should be made aware of the potential presence

of bats, the protection afforded them and the methods of working required to

avoid harm to bats.

Nesting Birds

As nesting birds are protected by law under The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, a

check for any currently nesting birds will need to be carried out prior to any tree or

hedgerow removal being undertaken. If nesting birds are identified, works in the area

of the nest will need to be delayed until the birds have left the nest. The nesting period

for birds is usually from March to the end of August.


No reptiles or amphibians were found at the site, though there are extensive piles of

stacked material that could provide suitable refuges for these species. Care should be

taken when removing any material lying on the ground that could be used as potential

refuges. Any reptile or amphibian species discovered should be collected and moved

to suitable undisturbed nearby cover. If great crested newts are found whilst works are

on-going despite following good practise guidelines, all work should stop and the

situation re-assessed and a mitigation licence applied for if necessary. Any handling

of great crested newts should only be carried out by someone with an appropriate

license.

Habitat and Protected Species Survey of land at Blackpits Farm, Helmdon

September 2006

Carried out on behalf of Swift Renewable Energy by

Philip Irving

Blackpits Farm, Helmdon Habitat and Protected Species Survey Surveyor Experience and Competence This survey has been undertaken by Philip Irving, who works as a Senior Ecologist with the Greensand Trust, a Countryside Management Project based in Bedfordshire. He has worked for the Greensand Trust for nine years providing ecological advice on the management of Trust sites and writing management plans for them. He also undertakes freelance survey work for other organisations and ecological consultants including surveys for bats and other protected species, and habitat and botanical surveys. He has held an English Nature Bat Licence and been a member of the Bedfordshire Bat Group for over 10 years. Date of Survey: 11.9.06 Introduction The area covered by the survey consists of a recycling and composting facility incorporating a group of modern barns, storage and processing areas and adjacent farmland. The aim of the survey is to provide information on the ecological interest of the site and assess its value to any protected species such as bats, barn owls and great crested newts. Site Description The main buildings at the site consist of four modern open fronted steel framed corrugated iron and timber barns with corrugated asbestos roofs that are used to store recycled materials and hay or used as cattle sheds. A few portacabins are present to the east of the barns. Much of the area directly around the buildings consists of surfaced areas used for storage, processing and car parking. The main materials and processing area to the east of the barns is surrounded by high earth bunds covered in ruderal vegetation. This is dominated by nettle (Urtica dioica) with a range of other species including hedge bindweed (Calystegia sepium), thistles (Cirsium sp.), goosefoots (Chenopodium sp.), prickly lettuce (Lactuca serriola), cow parsley Anthriscus sylvestris), cleavers (Galium aparine), hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium), docks (Rumex sp.), white dead nettle (Lamium album) various garden escapes and scattered young elder (Sambucus nigra) scrub. Some areas of the banks are grassier and contain frequent perennial rye grass (Lolium perenne), cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata) common couch (Elymus repens), timothy (Phleum pratense) or false oat grass (Arrhenatherum elatius). A bund to the north of the barns has been planted with a variety of young trees including rowan (Sorbus aucuparia), ash (Fraxinus excelsior), sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus), willow sp. (Salix sp.), cherry (Prunus avium) and Leylandii conifers with scattered mature elder and hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) and a stand of dense bramble (Rubus fruticosus) scrub. A number of hedgerows surround and lead from the site. These are mostly dominated by hawthorn though contain a range of other species at lower frequency including

elder, blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), English elm (Ulmus procera), dog rose (Rosa canina), apple (Malus sp.), field maple (Acer campestre), guelder rose (Viburnum opulus), ivy (Hedera helix) and black bryony (Tamus communis). A small number of mature ash, pedunculate oak (Quercus robur) and sycamore standards are present in the hedgerows, though the hedgerows in the farmland to the west of the site contain a much greater number of standards. The trees within the site are not particularly large with the exception of an ash to the south of the barns which contains a large hole in its trunk. At the southern end of the site is a small area of young woodland containing sycamore, oak, ash, hawthorn, cherry and conifer sp. Additional similar areas are present to the south and west of the site. The land to the north and west of the site consists of improved pasture grazed by sheep and cattle. The farmland to the south and east is arable with some areas having had the composted materials spread over them. Methodology A thorough internal inspection was made on the 11.9.06 in daylight of the whole site including the buildings, and evidence of use by bats, barn owls and other protected species was looked for, for example droppings, pellets, nesting/roosting sites, feeding remains or live animals. The mature trees were also examined for evidence of use by bats. A search was made of the surrounding land within c. 300m of the site for ponds that could support great crested newts. A bat detector survey using a Bat box 3 detector was undertaken at dusk on the same evening to check for emerging and foraging bats, starting at c. 7.30pm. The weather was cloudy with a light breeze and with a temperature at the start of 21oC. Results No evidence of bats, barn owls or any other protected species was recorded at the site. The only birds recorded were collared dove, woodpigeon, blackbird and great tit with swallows flying overhead. No ponds were present within 300m of the site. During the evening bat detector survey a small number of passes of foraging common pipistrelles were recorded over the site, with the first bat at 7.59pm. There was no evidence that they had emerged from any of the buildings at the site and seemed to be flying in from the north. Summary and Recommendations The lack of droppings, pellets or other signs suggests the buildings at the site are not used by either bats or barn owls. Common pipistrelles use the farmyard as part of a larger foraging area though probably roost in houses in the nearby village of Helmdon.

Bats and their roosts are protected by law under The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and a DEFRA licence would be required to allow building work to be undertaken if a roost was present. There is no evidence of a roost at the site and the buildings are modern open fronted barns that are generally unsuitable for these species. The mature ash tree to the south of the barns has a large hole that could be potentially used by bats as a roost site. If any tree surgery work was planned on this tree, it would be advisable to check beforehand to ensure bats are not present. The hedgerows are likely to be used as foraging routes by bats and if possible should be retained.

Full details on licence applications and mitigation can be found in the ‘Bat mitigation guidelines’ published by English Nature (latest version January 2004). The lack of ponds in the immediate area around the site would make it unlikely that great crested newts would be present.

Environmental assessment of the noise risk for the

Organic Waste Treatment Plant

at Blackpits Farm, Helmdon, Northants

Report prepared by

Dr John AJ Mullett

Cambridge Recycling Services

Contents Introduction ........................................................................................................................... 2

Proximity of sensitive receptors ............................................................................................. 3

Method of Assessment .......................................................................................................... 4

Risk Assessment and Control Measures Table ..................................................................... 6

Conclusions .......................................................................................................................... 7

Noise Assessment Page 2 of 8

Noise.doc

NNOOII SS EE

IINNTT RROODDUUCCTT IIOONN

The potential impact of noise from the proposed anaerobic digestion (AD) and in-vessel

composting (IVC) facility at Blackpits Farm, Helmdon has been assessed. The assessment will

include the noise associated with the operation of the facility and the transportation of materials

to and from the site. Noise sources will be identified and the potential noise impact of the

facility considered.

NOISE TERMINOLOGY AND DEFINITIONS

Noise is a measure of the vibration or change of pressure of the air. The pressure change can

be measured in standard units e.g. bar, but it is usually measured in Pascals. The amplitude of

sound is measured in units of decibels (dB) on a logarithmic scale. The decibel is a unit that

represents the overall sound pressure level as a ratio to a standard reference level.

A logarithmic scale is used as the human hearing system is non-linear with regard to sound

pressure. A doubling of sound pressure will not result in a doubling of noise. If a single bell

ringing at 75 dB is joined by a second similar bell ringing, the noise will increase to 78 dB not to

150 dB.

The International Electrotechnical Commission has standardised a frequency response or

weighting to simulate a nominal ear. This is call the A weighting.

LA90 is the background noise level of the A weighted sound pressure level that is exceeded for

90% of the time

LA10 is the background noise level of the A weighted sound pressure level that is exceeded for

10% of the time and is usually used to characterise traffic noise

LAeq is a single measure of a continuing fluctuating A weighted noise level over a given time

period T. This is a notional steady sound that would contain the same amount of sound energy

as the actual, possibly fluctuating, sound that was recorded e.g. a noise level of 70 dBLAeq is

commonly experienced in a supermarket.

NOISE IMPACT CRITERIA

The accepted standard for assessing the noise impact of such a facility is Planning Policy

Guidance PPG24 “Planning and Noise”. PPG 24 outlines the considerations to be taken into

account in determining planning applications for activities that generate noise. There is a cross

references to BS5228 “Noise and Vibration Control on Construction and Open Sites” and to

Mineral Planning Guidance MPG11, paragraph 9 “The Control of Noise at Mineral Surface

Workings”.

Paragraph 34 of MPG11 recommends the day time nominal limit at noise sensitive properties

used as dwellings should be 55 dBLAeq,1 hour free field.


Noise.doc

British Standard (BS) 4142:1997:Method for rating industrial noise affecting mixed residential

and industrial area also states that a difference between background noise and the elevated

noise of around 10 dB or higher indicates that complaints are likely. A difference of 5 dB is of

marginal significance.

The BS 5228 contains the methodology used to predict impacts of noise on sensitive receptors.

PPRROOXX IIMMIITT YY OOFF SS EE NNSS IITT IIVV EE RREE CCEEPPTT OORRSS

An assessment has been done of the sensitive receptors in the vicinity of the proposed facility.

These are shown on the maps below.

3

4

1

2

6

5

Proposed facility

3

4

1

2

6

5

Proposed facility

Number on

map

Description Distance from

proposed facility

Direction from

proposed facility

1 Redlands House – site

owners residence

320 m North

2 Glasshouses at Gwebi /

Ashvale

500 m West North West

3 Glebe Farm 525 m East North East

4 Fatlands Farm 670 m North

5 Falcutt Hall Farm 1,100 m East South East

6 Manor House Farm 1,100 m North East


Noise.doc

From the larger scale map shown below, the absence of sensitive receptors in the southern

quadrants can be noted.

Site of proposed facility

12 3

4

5

6

1-6 Nearest sensitive receptors

To scale 1mile

Site of proposed facility

12 3

4

5

6

1-6 Nearest sensitive receptors

To scale 1mile

MMEE TT HHOODD OOFF AASS SS EE SSSSMM EE NNTT

In order to assess the risk of noise impacts from the proposed development on the surrounding

area, a systematic review has been undertaken. The proposed facility has been divided into a

number of Process Zones and for each of these areas the assessment identifies the following

information; the sources of noise, the nature of the risk period and the level of noise. This

information is given in the “Noise Risk Assessment and Control Measures” Table. In addition,

this table also describes the control and mitigation measures to be implemented to ensure that

noise impacts are reduced to acceptable levels.


Noise.doc

A

D

H

F

B

C

I

G

EZone A – Site reception

Zone B – AD Process Area

Zone C – Anaerobic Digestion Tanks

Zone D – Biogas Plant

Zone E – Enclosed IVC Pre-treatment Area

Zone F – IVC Area

Zone G – Green waste Pre-treatment

Zone H – Maturation Composting

Zone I – Screening and stockpiling

A

D

H

F

B

C

I

G

EZone A – Site reception

Zone B – AD Process Area

Zone C – Anaerobic Digestion Tanks

Zone D – Biogas Plant

Zone E – Enclosed IVC Pre-treatment Area

Zone F – IVC Area

Zone G – Green waste Pre-treatment

Zone H – Maturation Composting

Zone I – Screening and stockpiling

Figure 1 The Process Zones of the proposed facility


Noise.doc

RRIISS KK AASS SS EE SS SS MMEE NNTT AANNDD CCOONNTT RROOLL MMEE AASS UURREE SS TT AABBLLEE

Process Zone and

perceived risk source

Potential risk period Sound power level

dB LAeq @ 10m

Control measure

Zone A – Site reception

No perceived increase in

noise level

Weighbridge already used on site

Zone B – AD process area

Delivery vehicles reversing

bleepers

Intermittent during working

day

83 Only intermittent and daytime

Hydrocyclone Continuous during working

day

<50 Located within closed building

Zone C – AD Digestion tanks

No perceived noise source

Zone D – Biogas plant

Biogas engine Continuous 67 Housed within building

Zone E – Enclosed IVC Pre-treatment area

RCV (reversing bleepers) Intermittent during working

day

83 Located within closed building

Shredder 80% of working day 86 Located within closed building

Conveyors Continuous during working

day


Pumps Continuous during working

day


Telehandler reversing

bleepers

40% of working day 77 Located within closed building

Zone F – IVC area


bleepers

20% of working day 77 Located within closed building

Air Handling Unit Fans Continuous 80 Fans within sound proofing boxes in

close proximity to buildings to baffle noise


Noise.doc

Process Zone and

perceived risk source

Potential risk period Sound power level

dB LAeq @ 10m

Control measure

Zone G – Green waste pre-treatment


bleepers

40% of working day 77 Intermittent and daytime only. Already

operating on site

Shredding machine 40% of working day TBC Already operating on site and daytime

only. Operated in close proximity to earth

bund and green waste and maturing

composting piles to deaden noise

Zone H – Aerated static pile


bleepers


operating on site

Zone I - Screening


bleepers


operating on site

Screening plant 40% of working day TBC Already operating on site and daytime

only. Operated in close proximity to earth

bund and green waste and maturing

composting piles to deaden noise

Collection vehicles

reversing bleepers

10% of working day 83 Only intermittent and daytime

Notes to table:

The working day is generally between the hours of 07.30 and 17.30 Monday to Friday. Occasionally it

may be necessary to extend these hours to include 8.00 to 12.00 Saturday.

CCOONNCCLLUUSS IIOO NNSS

The conclusions of the noise risk assessment and control measures are given below.

The impact of the proposed development on the noise levels at the nearest sensitive receptors

is predicted to be well below the recommended thresholds. The noise attenuation between the

source and receptors is attributable to:

The distance from the noise source to the nearest sensitive receptor at the

glasshouses at Gwebi / Ashvale is 500 m to the west north west

There is a soil bund of 5 m height between the noise source and the sensitive receptor

at Glebe Farm


Noise.doc

There are buildings between the mobile noise source and the sensitive receptors at

Gwebi / Ashvale glasshouses

There are intermittent and daytime-only origins of most noise sources

There is enclosure within buildings of most fixed noise sources

There is integral noise attenuation within the air management equipment which is

running continuously.

PROPOSED ANAEROBIC DIGESTION & IN-VESSEL COMPOSTING PLANT, BLACKPITS FARM,

HELMDON, NORTHAMPTONSHIRE.

APPRAISAL OF HIGHWAY & TRAFFIC ISSUES.

October 2006. G.J.Ford. B.Sc. C.Eng. MICE. MIHT. Impact Design Consultants.

CONTENTS. 1.0 INTRODUCTION. 2.0 EXISTING & PROPOSED OPERATIONS. 3.0 TRAFFIC COUNT & PREDICTED GENERATIONS. 4.0 LOCAL HIGHWAY NETWORK & ACCESS SITUATION. 5.0 CONCLUSIONS. Appendices.

(i) Site Location.

(ii) Traffic Count.

1.0 INTRODUCTION. 1.01 Blackpit Barn has operated as a Waste Transfer and Composting Facility at Blackpit

Farm for a number of years. Utilising an area of land adjacent to the farm buildings it also makes use of a number of the buildings no longer required for agricultural purposes.

1.02 Following government directives local authorities are diverting an increasing volume of

waste away from landfill. This has presented an opportunity for the waste operations at the site to be extended to include a facility that can accommodate municipal and commercial food waste.

1.03 Blackpit Barn currently accommodates the composting of green waste, an element of

paper, card and liquid waste together with a waste transfer station that handles source seperated dry recycleables. The combined total of the differing waste sources equates to 55,000 tonnes in a year.

1.04 The development proposals include (i) the construction of an anaerobic digestion plant to

treat 15,000 tonnes per year of wet food waste and (ii) construction of an in-vessel composting plant to treat 15,000 tonnes per year of dry food waste. Associated with the above will be the change of use of existing buildings and the construction of new buildings to accommodate the waste processing operations.

1.05 This appraisal considers the impact in highway and traffic terms of the proposed changes. 2.0 EXISTING & PROPOSED OPERATIONS. 2.01 In order to determine the traffic impact of the proposed changes it is first necessary to

examine the current operations. 2.02 The site carries out composting of green and timber waste which is delivered to the site

from a number of sources. The majority of the material is waste collected by adjacent local authorities such as Cherwell District Council and South Northants District Council together with some authorities that are located further afield. Other forms of waste that assist the composting process are delivered by companies from the manufacturing industry.

2.03 The Waste Transfer Station receives dry recycleables such as plastic and glass which are

delivered in small loads. These are bulked up for onward transmission to specialist sorting and recycling facilities. Recycleables are delivered by the aforementioned local authorities.

2.04 As a result of the above the traffic generated by the site contains a high proportion of

heavy goods vehicles in the form of local authority dustcarts and bulk carriers. The staff that operate the facilities together with visitors and farm traffic are responsible for the remaining trips generated by the site.

2.05 All vehicles carrying waste are booked in at the reception building where each vehicles is

weighed on the weighbridge. Tickets are issued for each vehicle recording the time of arrival, nature of load and weight. Similarly vehicles are weighed as they leave if they are carrying dry recycleables to the next facility.

2.06 The green waste is mixed with the wood waste which has been reduced to a mulch size.

The resulting mix is allowed to compost using a “deep clamp” approach, the material being turned at intervals to assist and speed the process. All of the compost produced is used on the farm to enhance and fertilise the existing soil.

2.07 The proposed new operations will be carried out within a controlled environment assisted

by the introduction of heat. In-Vessel composting is an acknowledged way of treating food waste which has previously been directed to landfill.

2.08 If permission is granted Blackpits Barn will increase its annual throughput from 55,000

tonnes to 85,000 tonnes per annum. The additional facilities will assist Northamptonshire County Council to progress its waste strategy and enable it to meet its recycling targets for the coming years. Similarly the site will play an important role for North Oxfordshire which is also striving to achieve a high level of recycling of its waste.

3.0 TRAFFIC COUNT & PREDICTED GENERATIONS. 3.01 To assist the process of predicting future impact a traffic count was carried out at the site

access on a typical working day at Blackpits Barn (see Appendix ii). Following discussions with staff at the site it was confirmed that very few deliveries are made after 1430 hours. This situation exists because waste deliveries are invariably linked to waste collection rounds as well as the collection of green waste from the civic amenity sites. The result is a peak period for deliveries to Blackpits Barn of 1300 – 1400 hours.

3.02 The traffic count covered the period 0630 – 1430 hours and recorded all movements to

and from the site and along the B4525.

ourly flows (…) denotes |HGV were as follows :- Period Vehicles IN Vehicles OUT B4525 (2 way)

0630-0700 8 (4) 0 (0) 86 (11) 0700-0800 8 (0) 7 (5) 401 (29) 0800-0900 5 (4) 4 (2) 419 (30) 0900-1000 7 (6) 6 (4) 279 (36) 1000-1100 8 (5) 6 (5) 179 (21) 1100-1200 13 (9) 8 (7) 191 (30) 1200-1300 5 (3) 11 (7) 176 (25) 1300-1400 12 (11) 12 (8) 218 (43) 1400-1430 5 (2) 2 (2) 96 (16)

Totals 71 (44) 56 (40) 2045 (241)

3.03 The site generated 127 trips during the period 0630-1430 hours of which 84 were heavy

goods vehicles. The busiest period was 1300-1400 hours when 24 trips were recorded of which 19 were heavy goods vehicles.

3.04 Flows along the B4525 peaked at 419 (2 way) in the period 0800-0900 hours.

Corresponding flows along the B4525 when the site flows were at a peak were 218. During the survey period the B4525 carried 2045 vehicles of which 13% were heavy goods vehicles. Examination of the recorded site flows revealed that 64% came from the east ie the direction of the A43 and 36% from the west ie the direction of Banbury.

3.05 The traffic count was unable to distinguish between the vehicles carrying green compost,

timber or dry recycleables. However this information can be obtained by reference to the weighbridge tickets which recorded all movements to the site. On the day of the traffic count (28th September 2006) the deliveries were as follows :-

Period Green/Wood Dry Recycleables Total

0700-0800 3 0 3 0800-0900 1 0 1 0900-1000 3 0 3 1000-1100 5 0 5 1100-1200 6 5 11 1200-1300 2 1 3 1300-1400 7 4 11 1400-1500 3 0 3 1500-1600 2 0 2

Totals 32 10 42 3.06 The count recorded 44 heavy goods vehicles of which 42 were associated with the

transport of green compost and wood and dry recycleables. It should be noted that 4 deliveries arrived early before the weighbridge opened at 0700 hours and waited on the site to be weighed in.

3.07 The trips recorded to the site during the period 0630-1430 were made up as follows Green Compost/Wood vehicles 64 Dry Recycleable vehicles 20 Staff/visitors/ other deliveries 35 Farm vehicles and traffic 8 On the day of the count 8 trips were the result of a visit by a group of French farmers who came to view the composting activities. 3.08 Examination of the daily weighbridge records over a period of several weeks revealed the

composting and dry recycleable operations to generate a consistent level of movements.

The deliveries on the day of the survey were typical of the operations at the site which could exhibit a daily variation of +/- 15%.

3.09 Introduction of the new processes will bring an additional 30,000 tonnes per year to the

site. Although the nature of the waste will be different many of the providers will be the same local authorities ie Cherwell and South Northants District Councils in combination with the private sector. There are no reasons to suggest that the pattern of deliveries will be noticeably different from those at present. With respect to deliveries it is envisaged that the same types of vehicles will be used and a robust assessment would be to adopt a pro-rata approach. If a typical working day generates 84 trips of delivery vehicles for an annual throughput of 55,000 tonnes the additional 30,000 tonnes will generate in the region of 46 trips a day (23 in & 23 out). The owners of the site have confirmed that a maximum of 2 additional members of staff could be employed to operate the new facilities.

3.10 In the region of 50 additional trips per day could be associated with the development

proposals against which can be set the removal of an element of farm traffic. Conversion of the farm buildings will result in the moving of cattle operations to another location on the farm which uses an entirely different access onto the B4525. The number of daily movements associated with these activities is predicted to be in the region of 6 trips a day. The net result will be an additional 44 trips through the site access during the period 0645-1830 hours. It will be noted that the delivery movements are concentrated within the period 0645-1400 hours with primarily staff movements 1400-1830 hours. Using the same vehicular split derived from the traffic count indicates that an additional 16 trips will be added to the B4525 west and 28 trips to the B4525 east in a typical day.

4.0 LOCAL HIGHWAY NETWORK & ACCESS SITUATION. 4.01 Blackpit Barn is located south of the B4525 in the parish of Helmdon, South

Northamptonshire approx 1 km from the village of Helmdon. 4.02 The B4525 is known locally as Welsh Way and links Banbury to the west to the A43

trunk road to the east. The site lies approx 7 miles from Banbury and 3 miles from the A43. The A43 has been improved to dual carriageway standard with a fully grade separated junction where the B4525 meets the A43.

4.03 Although of B status the road is of a generous width and is well maintained. Traffic flows

are very modest for a road of its width and quality and is clearly operating well below its theoretical capacity. In a typical day an additional 16 trips (8 each way) will be added to B4525 West in the direction of Banbury from which Cherwell District Council deliver. Similarly an additional 28 trips (14 each way) will be added to B4525 East many of which will travel through to the A43. At the grade separated junction some vehicles will follow A43 North and others A43 South thereby with a 50/50 split adding a typical 14 trips to each of the sliproads in a working day. The increased trips will not be a material

PLANNING STATEMENT - Northamptonshire

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