The proposed Whitwick Manor Anaerobic Digestion (AD) Plant, Lower Eggleton (Planning Application 222728) was refused by Herefordshire Council.
The applicant has appealed that decision, and the appeal will now be determined by an independent Planning Inspector through a Public Inquiry under Appeal Reference APP/W1850/W/25/6010475.
The proposed development includes the construction of an anaerobic digestion facility with associated feedstock storage, tanks, lagoons, a wetland filtration system, photovoltaic panels, a grain store and dryer, a connection to the national gas grid, and a new vehicular access onto the A417.
A Public Inquiry is the most formal planning appeal process. The Planning Inspector will consider evidence from the appellant, Herefordshire Council and interested parties before making an independent decision on whether the appeal should be allowed or dismissed.
Yarkhill Parish Council’s Position
Yarkhill Parish Council has formally reiterated its objection, submitted 7 November 2024, to the proposed development and has notified Herefordshire Council that it wishes its previous representations to remain before the Planning Inspector as part of the appeal process.
Herefordshire Council has confirmed that all previous representations have been forwarded to the Planning Inspectorate unless withdrawn.
The Parish Council’s objections have consistently focused on a number of key planning issues, including:
- the scale and location of the proposed development within the rural landscape;
- the potential impact of increased HGV traffic on the A417 and surrounding road network, together with associated highway safety concerns;
- the effects on residential amenity, including noise, odour and the cumulative impact of a 24-hour operation;
- potential impacts on the environment, biodiversity and local countryside;
- concerns regarding compliance with local and county planning policies; and
- the need for sufficient supporting information to demonstrate that the environmental benefits of the proposal outweigh its wider impacts on local communities.
The Parish Council has previously concluded that, while recognising the importance of measures to improve the River Wye catchment and support renewable energy, it remains unconvinced that the proposal has demonstrated that its benefits outweigh its potential adverse impacts on residents, the highway network and the surrounding environment. For those reasons, the Parish Council has maintained its objection throughout the planning process.
Residents wishing to follow the appeal can view the planning application and appeal documents via Herefordshire Council’s Planning Portal using Planning Application Reference 222728 and Planning Inspectorate Appeal Reference APP/W1850/W/25/6010475.
Yarkhill Parish Council will continue to monitor the progress of the appeal and will publish further updates on this website as significant developments arise.