VIDEO: Film records residents’ concerns over Plaistow farm development

Residents protesting outside Crouchlands Biogas Ltd in Plaistow. They are against expansion of the farm

Members of the Protect Our Rural Environment action group (PORE) are campaigning against a retrospective planning application to build equipment for energy production at Crouchland Farm, Plaistow.

The development by Crouchlands Biogas has expanded an existing facility which coverts farm waste, such as manure and grains, into renewable gas. That can then be used to power homes.

After enforcement proceedings were brought against the company, it submitted a planning application for West Sussex County Council to consider.

Since the application was retrospective, villagers have been able to see the impact of the development on their areas. Their main concerns are the noise and damage caused by the HGV lorries travelling to the farm with waste and transporting gas away from the site.

They have made the video shown here which clearly shows the issues they raise.

Crouchlands Biogas maintains the farm is there to benefit the community.

Both parties will learn the result of the application at the West Sussex County Council planning committee meeting on March 3 at County Hall North, Horsham.

Plaistow farm development on planning committee agenda