Emergency services object to plans for food waste plant

Emergency services have objected to proposals for a waste site to be built next to the joint police and fire headquarters in Hindlip near Worcester.

The objections were submitted by the Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion, West Mercia Police and Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS).

It outlines concerns around the evidence, that was submitted with the proposals, claiming a failure to demonstrate that Hindlip Park wouldn’t be negatively impacted by poor air quality, odour, noise, and transport issues.

The leaders and governing bodies of both the police and fire services say they have had no prior engagement from the applicant, despite the proposed site’s proximity to the sensitive operations that take place at Hindlip Park.

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

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

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

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

Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service said it was fully supportive of the objection.

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

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

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