‘It’s not over by a long chalk’ warning as Shepreth plant given green light
Another plant in Shepreth could be built like the Bygrave Lodge anaerobic digestion plant already situated on the A505 between Royston and Baldock. - Credit: Archant
A Shepreth man who campaigned against a greenhouse and anaerobic digester that was given the green light by South Cambridgeshire District Council planners last week has said it’s “not over by a long chalk”.
There were 10 members of the committee in favour and just two against the application for Fillcup Field in Meldreth Road, despite both Shepreth Parish Council and Meldreth Parish Council recommending refusal.
The application has been accepted, subject to conditions that are still being worked on and will be published in due course.
David Elliot, who lives in Frog End, said: “When I first heard the result I was a bit gutted but I don’t think it’s over by a long chalk.
“I’m hopeful that this development can be done properly with all the conditions met. I do think the arguments that the objectors put forward were listened to by the committee.
“I intend to make sure that any conditions laid out are kept to. I think it will run on and on.”
Concerns raised by the community ranged from issues like an increase in traffic, smell, air quality and noise to environmental impact.
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The power for the glasshouse will be provided by an anaerobic digester, where silage and manure would decompose and produce biogas.
Tom Naylor from developer Nethy AD was pleased that planning permission was granted, and aims to complete building work by the end of next year.
He said: “We expect over a dozen new full time jobs will be created.
“The greenhouse will grow herbs and salads which are typically currently grown abroad. Our produce will have comparably low food miles and will be fresher.”
