Plaistow farm energy plant refused planning permission

JPCT 030315 S15081186x County Hall North, Horsham. Villagers and parish councillors against plans for an anaerobic digester at Crouchland Farm in Plaistow -photo by Steve Cobb SUS-150303-104301001

Plans to upgrade energy production equipment at Crouchland Farm in Plaistow have been refused by West Sussex County Council planning committee today (Tuesday March 3).

Crouchland Biogas sought retrospective planning permission to upgrade an anaerobic digester, install a new digestion tank, two new combined heat and power (CHP) engines, a digestate lagoon and associated infrastructure at their farm in Rickmans Lane.

The equipment allows them to use farm waste, such as manure and maize, to produce biomethane gas, which can be turned into electricity.

More than 100 residents of Plaistow, Ifold and Kirdford turned out to County Hall North in Horsham today to express their objection to the plans. Their concerns related to highways safety, the effect on the rural area and over-development of the countryside.

After a three hour debate by councillors a motion was carried to refuse permission for the development - contrary to a recommendation from officers to approve the plans.

Enforcement action is likely to follow, the details of which will be agreed at the next meeting of the county council planning committee.