Environmental Statement
Faulkners Down Farm,
Volume 3
Mr A C Partridge BSc (Hons) DIP UP, MRTPI
Client: Yelspa Ltd.
Date: February 2017. Ref: BA/278/AP.
SOUTHERN PLANNING PRACTICE LTD Registered Office: Youngs Yard, Churchfields, Twyford, Winchester, SO21 1NN Tel: 01962 715770 Fax: 01962 715880 Email: [email protected] Website: www.southernplanning.co.uk Registered in England and Wales No. 3862030
Environmental Statement - Biomass Generating Plant, Faulkners Down Farm, Walworth Road, SP11 6LZ Yelspa Ltd
Contents: Page
1.0 INTRODUCTION ...... 1
2.0 STRUCTURE OF ES CHAPTERS ...... 4
3.0 EIA METHODOLOGY ...... 6
4.0 THE APPLICATION SITE ...... 10
5.0 DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSALS ...... 14
6.0 ALTERNATIVES ...... 29
7.0 ECONOMICS ...... 31
Environmental Statement - Biomass Generating Plant, Faulkners Down Farm, Walworth Road, SP11 6LZ Yelspa Ltd
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
1.1.1 Southern Planning Practice Ltd has been commissioned by Yelspa Ltd to provide an Environmental Statement (ES) to accompany the application, reference 16/02951/FUL, for development consisting of alterations and additions to plant, including erection of biodigester and installation of hydrolyser; alteration and extension to barns, erection of fencing and retaining wall, construction of tunnel, change of use of workshop to offices, enlargement of biodigester plant to provide Feedstock Store, including re-contouring of land to form sunken terrace with embankments and settling ponds, with associated landscaping, fencing, plant, weighbridge and office, erection of feedstock system building, planting and associated works at Anaerobic Digester at Faulkners Down Farm, Walworth Road, Picket Piece, SP11 6LZ .
1.1.2 If follows from a request by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council that the development requires an Environmental Impact Assessment. Although a request for a scoping opinion has been made under 16/04515/FUL this has not been formally issued. However, the case officer has indicated that the EIA will be limited to noise, odour, vibration, air quality, and impact on ground water.
1.1.3 The ES has been prepared, co-ordinated and managed by Southern Planning Practice Ltd in conjunction with a team of consultants comprising:-
Simon Baker Associates Ltd Apple Environmental Ltd Dr Allan Burns Ian Sharland Ltd WHLandscapes Ltd Designs for Lighting Ltd Enims Ltd
1.1.4 The ES in three volumes:-
1 Environmental Statement - Biomass Generating Plant, Faulkners Down Farm, Walworth Road, SP11 6LZ Yelspa Ltd
1.1.5 Volume 1 comprises the application consisting of the following documents
Application Form Design, Access and Planning Statement Site Plan A : As Approved 278.10A Site Plan B: As Existing 278.11A Site Plan C: As Proposed 278.12A Elevations of Approved Plant/Machinery to be removed 278.13 Elevations of proposed Plant/Machinery 278.14 Elevations/Plan of existing Palisade Fencing and Weighbridge office 278.15 Elevations of Plant / Machinery 278.16 Elevations of Proposed Plant / Fencing 278.17 Elevations, Plan and Sections of Proposed Feedstock Systems 278.18 Elevations and Plans of Existing Farm Building 278.19 Elevations and Plans of Proposed Offices 278.20 Sections of Feedstock Stores and Settling Ponds 278.21 Elevations of Plant / Machinery 278.22 Elevations of Plant / Machinery 278.23 Elevations of Plant / Machinery 278.24 Elevations of Plant / Machinery 278.25 Elevations of Plant / Machinery 278.26 Block Plan A : As Approved 278.27 Block Plan B: As Existing 278.28 Block Plan C: As Proposed 278.29 Elevations of Feed System (Temporary) 278.30 Control Room Floor Plan and Elevations 278.31 Planting proposal ID561.03A
1.1.6 Volume 2 is a short summary of the Environmental Statement presenting an outline of the proposed development, the associated environmental impacts, the mitigation employed to manage these impacts and the overall environmental assessment.
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1.1.7 Volume 3 comprises the main report and findings and technical appendices. It is split into the following 14 chapters.
Table 1 Part 1 Chapter 1 Introduction Chapter 2 Structure of ES Chapters Chapter 3 EIA Methodology Chapter 4 The Application Site Chapter 5 Proposed Development Chapter 6 Alternatives Part 2 Chapter 7 Economics Chapter 8 Landscape Chapter 9 Transport Chapter 10 Air Quality Chapter 11 Noise and Vibration Chapter 12 Contamination Chapter 13 Odour Chapter 14 Water Resources Chapter 15 Ecology Chapter 16 pt 1 Lighting Impact Assessment Chapter 16 pt 2 Lighting Strategy Chapter 17 Summary of Likely Effects, Mitigation and Monitoring
1.1.8 Part 1 forms the introductory chapters setting out the context for the scheme and the EIA, while Part 2 provides an assessment of potential impact.
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2.0 STRUCTURE OF ES CHAPTERS
2.1.0 Within each of the ES chapters the information is structured for consistency, as far as practicable. The ES chapter structure, upon which each of the chapters is based, is set out in the table (Table 2.0) below.
Table 2.0 1. Introduction: outlines the main issues 2. Policy Framework: this sets out national and local policies underpinning the assessment 3. Assessment Methodology: provides the method used to undertake the assessment based on desk study, field survey and impact assessment drawing on references to legislation, guidelines and best practice 4. Baseline Conditions: this describes, where appropriate, the original baseline situation of the development approved under 13/02665/FUL, 13/02664/FUL and 15/01892/FULLN prior to implementation of the more recent (retrospective and proposed) development, and current baseline conditions against which the likely significant environmental effects of the proposed development have been assessed. 5. Likely Significant Effects: summarises the potential impacts associated with the construction and completion of the proposed scheme. This may include on-site off- site impact, and all possible likely effects, positive, negative, short/medium/ long term, direct and indirect etc. 6. Mitigation Measures: this outlines the measures that will be used to mitigate the potential significant impacts arising from the proposed scheme. It includes post consent monitoring of mitigation measures during the construction phase and subsequently 7. Residual Impacts: sets out the impacts remaining after the mitigation measures have been implemented and assesses the significance of the residual impacts 8. Summary and Conclusion: summarises the significance of the impacts, proposed mitigation measures and residual impacts
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2.1 Obtaining Copies of the ES
2.1.1 Since the application straddles the Boroughs of Test Valley and Basingstoke and Deane, the ES will be made available during normal opening hours at B&DBC’s offices at Civic Offices, London Road, Basingstoke, RG21 4AH & TVBC’s Offices at Beech Hurst, Weyhill Road, Andover, SP10 3AJ. It should also be available online at www.basingstoke.gov.uk & www.testvalley.gov.uk
2.1.2 Copies of the ES and Non-Technical Summary (NTS) are available in hard copy or on CD, costing the following:-
Paper Copy of the ES and NTS £300 Paper Copy of the NTS £20 CD copy of the ES and NTS £10
2.1.3 Copies can be purchased from Yelspa Ltd at the Farm Office, Faulkners Down Farm, Walworth Road, Pickets Piece, SP11 6LZ.
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3.0 EIA METHODOLOGY
3.1 Introduction
3.1.1 This chapter outlines the methodology used for undertaking the EIA. It includes details of how the potential impacts of the proposed scheme are assessed, the methods for mitigation and the scope of the EIA.
3.2 Legislative, Regulatory and Policy Framework
3.2.1 The EIA has been prepared in accordance with:-
Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) England and Wales (Regulations) 2011 NPPG Environmental Impact Assessment Guidelines for Environmental Impact Assessment (Institutes of Environmental Management and Assessment) 2004 Guidance on EIA EIS Review June 2001 European Commission
3.2.2 Further details of the legislative context undertaken in this Environmental Statement are provided where appropriate under each chapter.
3.3 Identification of Key Impacts
3.3.1 The Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations provides clear guidance on what is expected to be included in the ES. The focus of an ES should be on significant environmental effects. Paragraph 033 of the NPPG states:-
“Whilst every ES should provide a full and factual description of the development, the emphasis of Schedule 4 (of the EIA Regulations) is on the ‘main’ or ‘significant’ environmental effect to which a development is likely to give rise. The Environmental Statement should be proportionate and not be any longer than is necessary to assess properly those effects. Where, for example, only one environmental factor is likely to have a significant environment effect, the assessment should focus on that issue only. Impacts
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which have little or no significance for the particular development in question will only need a very brief treatment to indicate that their possible relevance has been considered.
3.3.2 Thus, an assessment of the significance of impact arising from the proposed scheme is critical in the EIA process.
3.3.3 There is no definition of significant impact as this will differ depending on context and any “receptors” affected. In an EIA, the term significance reflects both its literal meaning of “importance” and its statistical meaning where there is an element of quantification. This combination of subjective and objective tests has become a standard approach to understanding and applying the test of significance.
3.3.4 Specific significant criteria have been defined in most of the topic areas in the chapters. As different specialists are undertaking an assessment of each topic area there will be, inevitably, some minor variation. However, each assessment is based on:-
Type of impact (negative/neutral/positive) Extent and magnitude of impact Nature of impact: reversible, long term, short term Sensitivity of the receptor Whether effect occurs in isolation, cumulative or interactive Compatibility with legal requirements, policies and standards Performance with environmental thresholds
3.3.5 Using the criteria in each chapter, the significance of the impacts arising from the proposed development has been categorised throughout the ES as follows:
No effect Minor (beneficial and adverse) Moderate (beneficial and adverse) Major (beneficial and adverse) Negligible Uncertain (i.e. where impacts are incapable of being predicted with certainty)
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3.3.6 For the purposes of this ES, impacts of major or moderate significance are both considered to accord with the significant impacts highlighted in the EIA regulations, these impacts are explored in greater depth where they are identified.
3.3.7 The regulations require that the EIA describes the likely significant effects arising from the proposed scheme. As described above the approach to significance adopted for each of the assessments is based on specific criteria relevant to each topic area. There is also a variation between topic area assessments in the way in which the likelihood of effects is considered. Definition of significance can be a combination of the identified magnitude of the effect and the sensitivity of the receptor. There may be local effects on neighbouring receptors at the site or wider effects at a Borough level. Effects on the County have not been considered; nor have the effects at a regional and international level been identified.
3.4 Interrelationship between impacts
3.4.1 Chapters 7 to 16 of this ES address the potential impacts of the proposed development by reference to individual topic chapters. In reality, topic areas such as “air quality” or “transport” cannot be considered in isolation, since changes affecting one factor will often have secondary implications for other factors. Under some circumstances, it is possible for the secondary or indirect effect to be more significant than the changes that triggered them. The ES has therefore identified any key interrelationships between the various topic areas whenever possible.
3.5 Cumulative impacts
3.5.1 It is also important to consider potential cumulative impact that could result from the development.
3.5.2 The Regulations state that the types of impact identified through the EIA “should cover direct effects and any indirect, secondary, cumulative, short, medium and long term, permanent and temporary, positive and negative effects.”
3.5.3 The NPPF includes a requirement to consider cumulative impacts of the development in relation to transport.
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3.5.4 Cumulative impacts can be positive or negative, they can be direct or a combination of the two. They can occur both spatially, across a geographic area, and temporally over time and can result from impacts arising from a single development and/or from multiple developments.
3.5.5 Within each assessment chapter of the ES, the cumulative impacts of the identified effects have been considered, where relevant. Where applicable the scheme has been looked in combination with other developments within each individual chapter. Sensitive receptors have been identified and their location in relation to the development has been defined. Impacts, where appropriate are divided into the construction and completion phases and the significance of each impact is set out.
3.6 Mitigation and Enhancement
3.6.1 The Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2011 require mitigation measures to be included in an ES. These are the measures to avoid, reduce, remedy or compensate for adverse impacts.
3.6.2 Yelspa Ltd is committed to implementing all mitigation measures identified in this ES. Impacts both before and after proposed mitigation (residual impacts) are clearly stated. This demonstrates the extent to which impacts are avoided, reduced, or compensated, with an emphasis on avoidance of impacts as far as possible. The likely significance of impacts in the absence of these measures is stated in each of the topic chapters.
3.7 The Scope of the EIA
3.7.1 A scoping request was made under the Regulation 13 of the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2011, reference number 16/04515/ENS on 5 October 2015. However, this has not been issued, although based on earlier correspondence the following topics are identified: air quality, odour, noise and vibration, and impact on ground water as giving rise to likely significant effects.
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4.0 THE APPLICATION SITE
4.1 Introduction
4.1.1 This chapter describes the site and its context and the constraints affecting it.
4.2 Site Context
4.2.1 The site lies in rolling countryside on the east side of Andover, near to the settlements of Picket Piece, which is earmarked for 400 dwellings under Policy COM16 of the Revised Local Plan (TVBC), and Andover Down. It is positioned equidistant between Walworth Road, beyond which lies the Railway Line, and London Road (B3400). To the east, at the crossroads of the B3400 with B3048, lies the small village of Hurstbourne Priors and to the north east, north of the crossroads of B3048 is the hamlet of Lower Link and then St Mary Bourne.
4.2.2 Closer, to the east, running between Walworth Road and London Road, and beyond is a disused railway line, on part of which there is a shoot, which extends on to other land. To the north east of this there is a landfill site and CHP unit. Beyond the outer reaches of Andover, along the B3400, Walworth Road and an unnamed road, linking Walworth Road with B3400 and west of B3048, there is a scattering of housing, farm buildings and former farm buildings which have been put to commercial use. To the north of Walworth Road and east of the unmade road lies the North Wessex Downs AONB.
4.3 Site Description
4.3.1 Faulkners Down Farm forms part of Apsley Estate. The Estate, extending to 1150 acres, is owned by Apsley Estate Limited which is farmed by Apsley Farms. Yelspa Ltd is the operating company which owns and runs the Biodigester Plant and works in partnership with Apsley Farms. The Estate is centred upon Faulkners Down Farm which lies between Walworth Road and London Road. The farm includes land to the north and south of London Road. The land is mainly in arable production. Access to the farm is via three tracks, leading to London Road, Walworth Road and the unnamed road.
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4.3.2 The existing Biodigester Plant can be divided into two distinct zones. The first area is the actual Biodigester Plant and the other area is the Feedstock Store. The Biodigester Plant is located on the north side of the farm’s barns, and about 90m from the main farmhouse and cottage which lie to the south east. As built, it comprises the following key features:-
3 biodigesters 2 CHP Units and substation Carbon filter plant Carbon storage tanks Oxygen generator Enclosed flare tower Fertiliser collecting pit Feeding mechanism (Hydrolyser) Biocutter Storage containers x2 Dewatering plant Pump houses Back-up electricity generator Gas to grid plant Weifferink bag
See also Block Plan 272.28
4.3.3 The western end of the silage store barn accommodates a milling plant for grain. West of this are two storage containers and then the enclosed flare tower and beyond this the gas to grid plant. One of the biodigesters (3) is positioned 8m from the north western corner of the barn and the other biodigester (1) is about 20m from its north elevation. The hydrolyser is situated immediately in front of biodigester (3) and beyond it is the fertiliser collecting pit; east of this is a Weifferink bag and behind biodigester (1), the CHP units, electricity substation, carbon filter and back up electricity generator. The barn to the east of the grain store is used as an ancillary workshop for the plant and farm. Attached to this is a small control room to monitor the plant.
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4.3.4 There are several Portakabins, which are used by personnel operating the plant. Their siting is temporary. Immediately alongside these is an L shaped building which is used, amongst other things, as a farm office and workshop/store. The site’s northern boundary and part of its eastern boundary is contained by a bund, which has been planted extensively with trees and hedges. The northern boundary gives way to an established hedgerow which forms the western edge on the other side of which lies a farm track which is also the Test Way. The eastern boundary gives way to woodland which has been augmented by additional planting.
4.3.5 The Feedstock Store is positioned on the west side of a farm track and north of a recently constructed new track which now serves the Biodigester Plant. The store itself (and the proposed area of woodland) extends over an area of about 3.5ha and has been cut into a hillside with regularly spaced parallel mounds. In front of these are three settling ponds. In the south east corner there is a weighbridge with office adjacent. To the north on a concrete base is the feeding supply plant. This is temporary. It is intended that this would be housed in a purpose built structure which will reduce noise and dust. Adjacent to this feeding supply plant is a tunnel linking the Feedstock Store with the Biodigester Plant.
4.3.6 The Biodigester Plant is accessed from a newly constructed access track which emerges onto London Road (B3400), to the east of Harewood Peak. From its access the track follows the field boundary running north alongside Harewood Peak before turning eastwards on the other side of the hedge from Footpath 34 (and 12) and entering the yard. The track itself is incomplete as the wearing course has not yet been laid.
4.3.7 The site is split between the boroughs of Test Valley and Basingstoke. Most of the access is within Test Valley and the site of the Biodigester Plant and part of the access is within Basingstoke, while the feedstock store and related infrastructure lie within both boroughs although the majority of it is in Basingstoke’s borough.
Constraints
4.3.8 There are no statutory designations affecting the application site. However, the site lies within 500m of the North Wessex Down AONB which lies to the north and east. Adjacent to the Biodigester Plant and access there are two semi-ancient woodlands. There are no
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records of protected species. There are Public Rights of Way running through the site and alongside the access. There are no water courses affecting the site and it does not lie within a Ground Source Protection Zone.
4.3.9 There are several potential receptors which could be affected both during the course of and following completion of the development. These are set out below and are identified where appropriate in the relevant chapter.
Highway Users Footpath Users AONB Semi Ancient Woodland Protected species Residential and commercial occupiers in the vicinity of the site Public Views to the Site Groundwater
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5.0 DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSALS1
5.1 Introduction
5.1.1 This chapter outlines the proposal in detail. It puts the proposal into the context of its planning history, before discussing the proposal. It then describes the processes and explains the inputs and outputs of the development.
5.2. Background
5.2.1 Planning permission was originally granted by Basingstoke and Deane Council, under ref. BDB/73292, on 25/2/2011 for the erection of an anaerobic digestion unit and CHP for the production of electricity; and construction of a bund. This provided for three biodigesters, landscaping bund, a CHP unit and related plant. Work was carried out under this permission. However, only one biodigester was constructed but additional unauthorised works were undertaken including: re-siting of CHP unit and control room, modification and re-siting of pump room, replacement of silage clamp with fertiliser pit, reduction in internal access road, installation of Weifferink bag, de-watering plant and silo, enlargement of storage area and additional landscaping. These changes were approved, retrospectively, under 13/02664/FUL. A further application, which had been submitted in parallel, proposed modifications to the biodigester to allow the construction of two additional anaerobic digestion units, the installation of 3 no. gas to grid containers and alterations to the proposed farm track. This was approved under 13/02665/FUL. Condition 7 limited the number of Heavy Goods Vehicle import movements to 4 (4 in and 4 out = 8 movements in total.) A similar condition was applied to 13/02664/FUL. No limitations were applied to other vehicle movements.
5.2.2 Under 13/01949/FULLN planning permission was granted on 5 February 2014 by Test Valley Borough Council for the formation of new access and concrete track for biodigester plant and use of track for the delivery of feed crops from outside the agricultural holding by up to four lorries. A further application was approved for the Council under 15/01892/FULLN on 30 September 2015 for the partial re-alignment of access road and
1 The proposal excludes Tricounties Biogas which is a supplier.
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enlargement of junction as a result of proposed increase in traffic to Biodigester (Retrospective.) No condition was applied to vehicle movements.
5.3 The Proposal
5.3.1 The current proposal is for alterations and additions to plant, including but not limited to the erection of biodigester and installation of hydrolyser; alterations and extension to barns, erection of fencing and retaining wall, construction of tunnel, change of use of workshop to offices; enlargement of Biodigester Plant to provide Feedstock Stock Store, including re- contouring of land to form sunken terrace with embankments and settling ponds, with associated landscaping, fencing, plant, weighbridge and office, erection of feedstock system building and planting (part retrospective).
5.3.2 While not condoning the applicant’s actions it is important to recognise that owing to the complexity of, and changes to, the regulations, contractual obligations, health and safety requirements and the fact that the technology was, and is, largely in its infancy has meant that some works have had to be carried out quickly at variance to the approved plans to enable increased efficiency of the process, safety at the plant, and compliance with renewable obligations. This is discussed further below.
5.3.3 There are two elements to the proposal; one, concerns the retrospective work and two the proposed works.
Biodigester Plant
5.3.4 Beginning with the retrospective changes these involve:-
Retention of enclosed flare tower, palisade fencing, retaining wall, lean-to (x2), pump room, tunnel, lighting, storage containers, carbon filter plant, back-up generator and
additional CHP generator, biodigester, CO2 storage tanks and creation of openings to building. Re-positioning of gas to grid plant containers and construction of odorising plant and gas entry point housing.
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5.3.5 The proposed works consist of the following:-
Installation of biodigester, siting of hydrolyser, and removal of biocutter and dewatering mechanism. Change of use of workshop to offices for personnel employed on site.
Feedstock Store
5.3.6 Again, beginning with the retrospective changes these involve:-
Retention of Feedstock Stock Store and settling ponds, fencing, weighbridge and office, and related temporary plant.
5.3.7 For the new works, the scheme proposes the construction of a feed system housing to accommodate the temporary plant. It is shown at right angles to the current temporary plant.
5.4 Alterations to the Biodigester Plant following Approval Under 13/02665/FUL & 13/02664/FUL
Biodigester Plant
5.4.1 It is appropriate to look at the changes made to the Plant, particularly since the last two approvals were given by Basingstoke and Deane Council. The table below sets out the main changes that have occurred. The approved plans, accompanying the application are detailed on the composite drawing, numbers 278/10a & 278/028.
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Changes made since approval Comment of Biodigester plant Back-up generator This is an essential piece of kit to ensure in the case of a power cut that the facility can still operate. It is a small piece of plant with very limited visual impact. Addition of CHP Unit To improve the efficiency of the plant an additional CHP unit is needed to export electricity. As it sits alongside kit of a similar nature and is in front of a tall barn it would have little visual impact. Retaining wall This has been put in place as a precaution to prevent slippage of the bank from damaging the gas to grid plant. Being at a lower level than the footpath and behind a hedge its visual impact is very slight. Carbon filter This removes carbon from the gas to make the process more efficient and enable the smooth running of the CHP. As it is set amongst other plant it will be largely inconspicuous. Enclosed Flare Tower This improves safety by removing through burning potentially harmful methane which needs to be expelled when an excess of pressure builds up. It is encased so that the flame is not visible to lessen its impact and the tower is painted black to lessen its profile. The tower is similar in character to the existing silo. In any case, silos are a common sight on farms so from this perspective it does not look out of place. Rearrangement of gas to grid This is to allow improved efficiency of the plant to ensure that the gas containers and siting of gas pumped into the grid complies with regulatory standards. odourising unit and gas entry network point Palisade fencing This is required for security Lighting As this is a 24/7 operation, lighting is required for health and safety reasons. Container storage This is used to house spare components in case of emergencies and other equipment to help with the smooth running of the biodigester Biodigester E Approval was originally given for three. As the biodigester is set in the ground it will not be nearly as visible as the existing, earlier approval. In any case it would be set against the backdrop of a tall barn. Oxygen generator Oxygen is used to aid the biological process used to help remove sulphur. It is housed in a small container and is similar in nature to others on site. It has limited visual impact given the scale of the proposal. Pasteurisation units This ensures that the fertiliser is sterile. The units are small and unassuming Lean to building (flank end of This enables the milling processing plant to be housed properly to grain store) minimise dust. Additional feeding mechanism This increases throughput of feedstock and therefore improves efficiency of the bio-digester.
Raising height of Lean-to This allows for equipment and plant for the capture of carbon to be installed. As it backs on to a large building the visual changes are minimal.
Additional pump room and Prevents pumps becoming frozen; improves safety and efficiency. cavitator Alterations to building (control The control room monitors the operations; the works to the building allow it room) to function for this purpose C02 tanks These are positioned against the grain store and are small in scale relative to the building
Layout As Built
5.4.2 The approved layout under 13/02665/FUL originally showed three gas to grid containers. These have since been rearranged with the smaller container, containing the de-watering
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and de-sulfurisation plant, now positioned between the two clean up tanks. Added on to the end of the line of containers is the gas entry point and odourisation plant housing which needs protecting from the elements. A concrete retaining wall abuts the bank to protect the plant and palisade fencing has been erected for safety and security purposes. To the north of the gas to grid containers is a tunnel which connects to the Feedstock Store and allows for the services to run between the two.
5.4.3 A new CHP unit has been established at right angles to the existing CHP unit, in front of the silage store barn, and a new back up electricity generator has been parked parallel alongside it, and on its other side is the carbon filter plant. The flare tower is positioned on the west side of the grain store barn, which has itself been extended with a lean-to extension on the flank. In between the tower and store are two containers which are filled with spare parts and supplies. To the north east of this, behind the grain store are the pasteurisation tanks. To the north east of these is an oxygenator plant which has been relocated. The existing lean-to to the south of this has been raised in height. In the north east corner is a new biodigester bag and related pump room, plus cavitator. The control room is housed in the western end of the workshop. To the west, in front of the grain store,
there are four CO2 tanks and there is an oil tank south west of these. The lighting is mostly positioned around the perimeter of the plant, with the exception of the lighting near to the CHP units, with the lighting directed into the site.
5.4.4 The current construction and layout complies with the Environment Agency’s regulations, and the plant’s operation complies with its codes of practice and health and safety requirements.
Proposed Changes to Layout
5.4.5 Outlined in the table below are the proposed changes to the layout.
Proposed Changes Comments Biodigester This will be positioned behind the existing biodigester E and against the backdrop of the workshop barn. It will be similar in scale to biodigesters 1 and 3 Office This is proposed in the existing outbuilding to the south. Hydrolyser This will located in the north east corner of the site Removal of dewatering Owing to the changes at the Feedstock Store the equipment is surplus to tower and biocutter requirements
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5.4.6 The additional hydrolyser would be located south west of the existing hydrolyser. The biodigester bag would be located south of Biodigester E. The proposed office is located in the L shaped building to the south.
Scale
5.4.7 This is detailed in the table below:-
Plant Height Width Length Biodigester 6m 50m (dia) Flare tower 8.5m 2.5m (dia) Pumphouse 6m 9.4m 15.4m Oxygenator Housing 2.6m 2.4m 6.1m Container Store 2.6m 2.4m 6.1m Gas Entry Point Housing 1.7m 9m 4m Gas Odorising Unit 3.2m 2m 2m Feeding Mechanism 9m 11m (dia) Extension (Lean-to) 7.2m 9m 10m Desulfurization Plant x2 4m (dia) Back Up Generator 2.6m 2.8m 8m Carbon Filter 3.2m 1.4 (dia) Retaining Wall 2.6 1.4 82m Palisade fencing 2.4m - 29m CHP 2.4m 3m 14m
Amount
5.4.8 The plant occupies an area of 2.9ha, including bunding and landscaping, but the area of the actual additional plant occupies an area of 2539m (which includes the re-siting of the gas to grid plant), while the offices would occupy an area of 247 sq m.
Appearance
5.4.9 The appearance of the development is detailed in the photos attached at Appendix 1 and on the plans. The changes proposed to the workshop/store involve reusing or modifying existing openings for windows and doors and creating a new window opening as detailed on the plan, BA/278/4/AP/0010.
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Landscaping
5.4.10 The approved planting layout under the earlier approval has been implemented. No additional planting is proposed or is considered needed for the proposed changes around the Biodigester Plant.
5.5.0 Feedstock Stock Store
Introduction
5.5.1 The proposal has been carefully designed by cutting it into a sloping field to help minimise its impact, to make the process more efficient and to minimise the risk of pollution from runoff. The walls of the cut bank and the regularly spaced mounds create separate chambers so that crops can be stored safely and at a height with the walls taking the load. Once one chamber is filled, the next chamber can be filled and so on and so forth so that by the time the last chamber is filled the first chamber will be ready for restocking. Access to each stocked chamber is obtained from either end. The crops are piled up to the heights of the mounds and then covered with a membrane lining over the top.
5.5.2 The runoff from the silaged crop is collected via a trap and gulley which is then pumped directly to the biodigester. Rain and surface water runoff drain to the first settling pond. As the suspended solids flocculate in the first settling pond the cleaner water is then passed through the second settling pond before ending up in the third settling pond. The water is then re-used for washing the root crops. Any excess water is drained via an overflow which is discharged into a soakaway – See also Drainage and Constructional Details by Earthcare Technical Ltd – Appendix 2.
5.5.3 The crop on delivery is weighed in the lorry on the weighbridge for accounting purposes. Plant is required for de-stoning and handling the crop. The feed plant is located in a temporary position on a temporary concrete pad. This will be re-sited in a permanent building positioned at right angles to this pad.
20 Environmental Statement - Biomass Generating Plant, Faulkners Down Farm, Walworth Road, SP11 6LZ Yelspa Ltd
Amount
5.5.4 The Feedstock Store occupies an area of 2.5ha, while the small office serving the weighbridge occupies a small area of 20 sq m.
Scale
5.5.5 This is detailed in the table below:- Plant Height Width Length Feedstock Store 2.5m mound 150m 140m Settling pond (2) -2.0m 7m 44m Office 2.8 2.6m 6m Palisade fencing 2.4m 2.4m 12m Feed supply building 5m 75m 10m
Appearance
5.5.6 The appearance of the development is detailed in the photos attached at Appendix 1.
Landscaping
5.5.7 The approved planting layout under the earlier approval has been implemented. Additional hedgerow planting is proposed around the entrance of the store and a hedgerow has been planted alongside the settling ponds and footpath. Woodland is also proposed in the south west corner of the site to soften views when approaching the store from the south west – see Planting Proposals Plan ID561.03a
5.6.0 Other Matters common to Biodigester Plant and Feedstock Store
Access
5.6.1 Access to the Biodigester Plant remains unchanged from the approved scheme insofar as it uses the approved entrance from London Road. The alignment of the access track and the modification of its entrance have been undertaken in accordance with the approved
21 Environmental Statement - Biomass Generating Plant, Faulkners Down Farm, Walworth Road, SP11 6LZ Yelspa Ltd
plans. There are no vehicle restrictions on the use of the access under the approval 15/01892/FULLN.
5.7.0 The Process
5.7.1 The anaerobic digestion feedstock, and its reliable supply, is essential to ensure the best in the anaerobic digestion process, and the greatest success comes from paying close attention to the volume, nature, composition and variability in composition, of the available feedstock, or range of feedstocks used at the plant. To maximise the efficiency of the plant, the applicant has equipped the site with plant and machinery which can cater for a range of crops of varying volumes, composition, and quality to deliver the best performance from the crop.
5.7.2 Crops grown on and off the holding feed the Biodigester Plant. For the more fibrous plant material e.g. straw, this may be fed directly into the hydrolyser via a hopper, or milled or put through a “biocutter” so that it is cut into small fragments to aid the digestion process, before being fed into a hydrolyser. The hydrolyser is used to speed up the process of anaerobic digestion, which is the natural breakdown of organic materials into methane and carbon dioxide gas and fertiliser. For the less fibrous plants, the crop is cleaned of soil and stones and then stored in the Feedstock Store for a period of time and the runoff from the store is collected and sent to the biodigester. The only exception to this is sugar beet which is now being put through the biocutter to minimise odour from storage.
5.7.3 The hydrolysed material is then passed through to a digester where it will undergo a further process of anaerobic digestion to produce biogas, consisting of methane and carbon dioxide. The gas is then drawn off. The remains of the material are then transferred to a bag to ensure that any vestige of anaerobic digestion can continue until the process is fully complete, with any remaining biogas being extracted. Excess carbon dioxide is captured and sold on. The remains of the material is then pumped into a small overhead dewatering plant where dry crop residue is dispatched over a period of 24 hours into a trailer below and the liquid fertiliser is transferred into a collecting pit. The fertiliser is then extracted from the pit, pasteurised and sold on for use in growing crops. A wash down facility is provided for the farm trucks once the fertiliser has been collected, with the waste water draining back into the pit.
22 Environmental Statement - Biomass Generating Plant, Faulkners Down Farm, Walworth Road, SP11 6LZ Yelspa Ltd
5.7.4 The extracted biogas is used either to generate electricity via two CHP units, which also provides heated water to the farmhouses, or to produce Renewable Natural Gas or Biomethane2 via, the gas to grid plant. This de-sulfurises, removes carbon dioxide, water and other traces of gas and then adds odour before being injected into the grid.
5.8.0 Inputs and Outputs
Introduction
5.8.1 It is important to clarify that the proposed changes do not in any way increase the energy exportable capacity of the plant as this is fixed by way of contracts with both the Gas Board and Southern Electric. The planning permission granted in 2014 which includes the anaerobic digestion plant and the biomethane to grid remains the same as far as the plant’s ability to export energy. This is limited for biomethane to a total of 10,483,200 m3 per annum + or – 20% and for electricity 700kw per hour. The change in government rules on feedstock sustainability were not announced prior to the last application and the plant had to adapt quickly to the new rules to continue to meet the requirements of the contracts with the Gas Board and Southern Electric. The knock on effect is the requirement for longer digestion retention times due to the more fibrous materials used which take longer to release their energy (more digestion space) and larger (in volume) feedstock storage to deliver the same energy output as previously consented.
Feedstock
5.8.2 The biodigester uses approximately 115,000 tonnes per annum of crop feedstock including: whole crop maize, whole crop rye/barley, sugar beet and grass and some spoiled cereals (i.e. sweepings contaminated with other seeds, or wet). Aspley Farms, which is tenanted, contributes to around 15,000 tonnes. Tonnage has had to be increased significantly from the original intended additional 30,000 tonnes of wheat as a consequence
2 Biomethane is very similar to natural gas, the main difference being that it is produced in days from renewable resources rather than taking millions of years to produce as fossil fuel.
23 Environmental Statement - Biomass Generating Plant, Faulkners Down Farm, Walworth Road, SP11 6LZ Yelspa Ltd
of the changes to the new rules on sustainable feedstock, to produce the same amount of electricity and gas.
5.8.3 Wheat yields upwards of 600m3 of biogas per tonne, whereas other crops tend to yield smaller quantities typical yields per m3/ton. are: maize 200, rye 200, beet 150 and grass 130. Retention times also vary significantly: the more fibrous the product the slower the digestion. For wheat the retention time is 20 days, as is beet, but for other crops the retention times are 60 days for maize, grass 120 days (unless pre-treated) and rye 60-80 days. [Grass has been trialled but because biogas yields are low and because it has a tendency to block machinery and plant it is unlikely to be used much; the intention is to run the stock down] The scheme proposed under the last approval was designed to use wheat as the principal ingredient giving a retention time of around 30 days, whereas because the supply is no longer available in the same quantity because of the changes to the rules the retention time is around 56 days because other ingredients slow the process down. As a result more space is required to store the crops and more crops are needed to produce the same output.
The current mix of ingredients is:-
5.6 tons per hour of sugar beet 7.36 tons per hour of maize/rye 0.13 tons per hour of wheat
5.8.4 The quantities may change depending on the quality of the feedstock supplied, conditions of the biodigester and amount of dry matter in the feedstock. The dry matter varies according to the crop: if it is high fewer crops are needed and vice versa. Therefore, ingredients and quantities are varied to ensure output remains the same.
5.8.5 However, as a result of the change to the regulations, the enforced use of more fibrous plants, requires not only a larger space to store the crops but also greater power consumption is needed because of the longer retention times and the additional processes needed to break down the fibre. This in turn requires more crops to generate the power as well as an additional CHP unit in order to power it. The change in the regulations has had
24 Environmental Statement - Biomass Generating Plant, Faulkners Down Farm, Walworth Road, SP11 6LZ Yelspa Ltd
a significant major adverse effect on the nature of the operations and the Plant has had to be designed accordingly to adapt to the change.
Carbon Footprint
5.8.6 The original approved anaerobic digester plant and Combined Heat and Power (CHP) were the highest availability plant on the Ofgem register. The expanded development is targeted to become the most efficient farm based biomethane plant in the UK. The plant has to report its Carbon sustainability to Ofgem on a quarterly basis and will be targeting an 80% fossil fuel reduction on its energy generation across the full crop to energy cycle.
Electricity Production
5.8.7 The development has been expanded from the original 499kW to 1.1MW generators in two CHP generators, following the modification of the Plant approved under 13/02665/FUL. The grid connection can only accept up to 700kw and the balance is used to run the AD,
Biomethane and CO2 recovery systems. Total generation of Green Electricity should be in the region of 9 GWh per year enough for 1,800 homes equivalent.
Biomethane Generation
5.8.8 The Biomethane gas cleanup plant is capable of 1200sm3/h. The unit produces grid quality Green Biomethane which is injected into the 7 bar medium pressure SGN main near Andover. The system produces gas that meets all national standards and is on line tested and odorised for safety on site. The system will create around 310 MWh of Green gas per day or around 110 GWh of Green Gas per annum. This is enough gas to generate 5.1 MW of Green electricity or fuel around 8,150 homes equivalent.
25 Environmental Statement - Biomass Generating Plant, Faulkners Down Farm, Walworth Road, SP11 6LZ Yelspa Ltd
Green Heat Generation
5.8.9 The CHPs, which are to the latest compliant emission standards, are capable of generating 1.1MWh of heat, approximately half of which is used within the plant to heat the digesters and generate Biogas. The balance will heat the pasteurisers which will pasteurise all outgoing liquid digestate to ensure any contaminants, such as black grass seeds, have been neutralised. The company has several organic farms interested in the organic fertiliser output. Total Green heat generation is in the order of 9 GWh per annum.
Carbon Capture
5.8.10 The operation, in addition to its electricity and biomethane generation, will be capable of
capturing and liquefying for re-use 38T of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) per day, or 13,870Tpa.
This will be food grade CO2 and a contract to take all CO2 produced has been signed with
one of the major UK CO2 merchants. This will displace CO2 produced from fossil fuel based processes such as inorganic fertiliser manufacture.
Organic Fertiliser
5.8.11 The Biodigester Plant produces 80,000m3 of liquid organic fertiliser per year. The Nitrogen equivalent is around 280T Nitrogen or displacing around 820T per year of fossil fuel derived Ammonium Nitrate or equivalent. The product also includes essential Phosphate and Potassium and other trace elements as well as organic soil conditioning materials. Other local farms and organic farmers are also asking to use this output
Traffic
5.8.12 Under 13/02665/FUL it was proposed that up to 4 lorries per day would import 30,000 tons of wheat per annum to the Biodigester Plant (8 in total). However, as a consequence of having to comply with the new rules on sustainable feedstock an additional 100,000T of feedstock is now needed. This requires an average of 30 vehicles per day. As digestate production has reduced slightly it follows that deliveries of digestate would generate no more traffic movements than was designed for under the last approval. Farm traffic remains unchanged in respect of the last application but initially after setting up the Plant
26 Environmental Statement - Biomass Generating Plant, Faulkners Down Farm, Walworth Road, SP11 6LZ Yelspa Ltd
there would have been a reduction since there would be no requirement to import fertiliser and no need to sell the crops to the market. An additional 8 lorry movements would be
required for the export of liquefied CO2. The additional digester, while improving the efficiency of the plant, has the potential to reduce crop traffic as the retention time will be less but this is dependent on the quality of the feedstock.
Vehicle Type/Crop Potential Current Position on Additional Movements Under Movements Increases/Decreases Last Approval Lorries with crops 8 (Restricted by 30 (Existing) 22 (HGV) condition) Lorries with 26 (No restriction) 24 (Existing) -2 digestate (HGVs) Car and light goods 80 (No restriction) 80 (Existing) Unchanged
CO2 Liquefied 8 (Proposed) 8
Total 28
5.8.13 Owing to concerns about HGV traffic impacting on the village of Hurstbourne Priors, a lorry routing agreement will be provided to ensure that all HGVs associated with the Plant enter the site eastbound and leave the site westbound along London Road to Andover.
27 Environmental Statement - Biomass Generating Plant, Faulkners Down Farm, Walworth Road, SP11 6LZ Yelspa Ltd
5.9.0 Comparison of Outputs3
Outputs/Inputs Approval Current Position Status 13/02665/FUL Biomethane 10,483,200 m3 10,483,200 m3 Unchanged Production Max Electricity 700kw 700kw Unchanged output to Grid Carbon dioxide 13,870Tpa (Released) 13,870Tpa Captured (Captured) Fertiliser Production 88 888m3 80 000m34 10% reduction Crop Imports 30,000 tonnes 100,000 tonnes 70,000 tonnes
3 For traffic see table above 4 Includes 20,000 cu m earmarked for Aspley Farms under 16/01798/FUL
28 Environmental Statement - Biomass Generating Plant, Faulkners Down Farm, Walworth Road, SP11 6LZ Yelspa Ltd
6.0 ALTERNATIVES
6.1 Introduction
6.1.1 This chapter is split into two parts. The first describes what alternatives were considered for the site and why these have been discounted and the second part describes design alternatives to the site.
6.1.2 The siting of the Biogester Plant, as originally proposed, was effectively pre-determined by connection to the electricity grid and position of existing farm buildings to minimise effect on landscape. The siting also enabled the reconfiguration of the plant under 13/02665/FUL to produce biomethane because of the proximity of the gas grid.
6.2 Effect of Implementing 13/02665/FUL
6.2.1 The changes to the regulations on feedstock supplies have had a major adverse effect on the design and layout of the Plant. Thus, the works being undertaken to implement the permission then had to be subsequently adapted and modified. The option of implementing the scheme strictly in accordance with the last approval was not a practical option. Yelspa Ltd was contractually obliged to fulfil its obligations owing to a substantial investment made in plant and infrastructure. The scheme granted under the last approval had been specifically designed to be fed primarily by wheat but the changes in the regulations meant that this could not be undertaken in sufficient quantity and so the design and layout of the site needed urgently to be adjusted, otherwise contracts could not be met. Therefore, to not do so would have had series consequences for the future of the plant and the employees. Therefore, as an option this was unacceptable. Thus, the next question was: how could the site be best adapted to minimise its impact, improve its level of efficiency in order just to maintain its power output while providing sufficient return for the capital investment needed to make the plant work?
6.3 Options to Layout
6.3.1 Most of the changes within the Biodigester Plant itself are not that significant bearing in mind the approvals, including the first approval which incorporated three biodigesters. The
29 Environmental Statement - Biomass Generating Plant, Faulkners Down Farm, Walworth Road, SP11 6LZ Yelspa Ltd
latest iteration of the design was primarily driven by the need to maximise efficiency as a consequence of the change in the feedstock.
6.3.2 In terms of the feedstock there are two issues to examine. The first relates to traffic. Crops could have been conveyed by tractor and trailer to bypass the condition limiting HGVs importing crops but this would have created more traffic movements, intensifying the use. Secondly, in terms of increased storage requirements it would not have been practical to use the limited storage space available on the site of the Biodigester Plant. Off-site storage would also be a solution but that leads to inefficiencies in the handling operations, adds to the costs and affects the quality of the feedstock, which in turn reduces the efficiency of the biodigestion process. Temporary storage of crops, using silage bags, was provisionally employed but long term this is not a suitable solution because it adversely affects the quality of the feedstock, there is potential for leachate from split bags, more handling is needed and the storage of such bags can be visually intrusive, as well as being a safety issue, when stored at height. Therefore, the only feasible solution was a self- contained feedstock store.
6.3.3 Two site options were looked at. A site to the north of the Biodigester Plant, set down the slope, was examined but it was considered to be more visually intrusive and more exposed to the North Wessex Downs AONB than the preferred site applied for, which could be set in to the slope, minimising its visual intrusion. In terms of the actual design this was driven by the need to harvest digestate material from the decomposing crops, by having a series of traps, pipes,gulleys and settling ponds to capture the digestate for processing in the Biodigester Plant and by the requirement to allow safe storage through compartmentalisation of the Feedstock Store.
30 Environmental Statement - Biomass Generating Plant, Faulkners Down Farm, Walworth Road, SP11 6LZ Yelspa Ltd
7.0 ECONOMICS
7.1 This chapter identifies the economic effects of the proposal.
7.2 Legislative, Regulatory and Policy Framework
National
7.2.1 The National Planning Policy Framework advises that one of the 12 principles of planning is to proactively drive and support sustainable economic development to deliver the homes, business and industrial units, infrastructure and thriving local places that the country needs. Every effort should be made objectively to identify and then meet the housing, business and other development needs of an area, and respond positively to wider opportunities for growth.
7.2.2 Paragraph 18 of the Framework states that the Government is committed to securing economic growth in order to create jobs and prosperity, building on the country’s inherent strengths and to meeting the twin challenges of global competition and of a low carbon future.
7.2.3 Paragraph 19 advises that the Government is committed to ensuring that the planning system does everything it can to support sustainable economic growth. Planning should operate to encourage and not act as an impediment to sustainable growth. Therefore significant weight should be placed on the need to support economic growth of the planning system.
7.2.4 It also advises at paragraph 20 that local planning authorities should plan proactively to meet the development needs of business and support an economy fit for the 21st Century.
7.2.5 Under paragraph 28 planning policies should support economic growth in rural areas in order to create jobs and prosperity by taking a positive approach to sustainable new development. To promote a strong rural economy, local and neighbourhood plans should:-
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Support the sustainable growth and expansion of all types of business and enterprise in rural area. Promote the development and diversification of agricultural and other land based rural businesses.
Local
Basingstoke and Deane Local Plan
7.2.6 The aim of the Local Plan is to maintain and enhance the borough’s position as a prosperous economic centre which is vital in ensuring that the borough is a good place to live, work and visit.
7.2.7 To achieve this, the following economic policies aim to:
enhance existing and enable the provision of new high quality employment space direct new employment provision to the appropriate locations; support key employment sectors; and enable proposals for farm diversification and rural tourism which support economic development in the borough’s smaller settlements and countryside.
7.2.8 Policy EP1 on economic growth and investment seeks, within the period 2011-2029, to support the creation of between 450-700 jobs per annum (8,100-12,600 during the plan period). Opportunities to develop the following key employment sectors will be supported:
Specialist/advanced manufacturing (including research and development)
7.2.9 Policy EP4 supports the rural economy, allows for development proposals in the countryside where they are a replacement building that is not temporary in nature or enable for the continuing sustainability or expansion of a business or enterprise. All development must be well designed and of use and scale that is appropriate to the site and location, having regard to landscaping, heritage and environmental impacts, the accessibility of the site, and impacts on the highway network.
32 Environmental Statement - Biomass Generating Plant, Faulkners Down Farm, Walworth Road, SP11 6LZ Yelspa Ltd
Test Valley Borough Revised Local Plan
7.2.10 The Council’s spatial statement says that:-
The countryside of the Borough is multi-functional and supports a variety of employment. Allowing rural employment sites to expand, the re-use of existing buildings and the promotion of tourism will help support the economy.
Policy LE17 provides the redevelopment, extension of buildings or erection of new buildings on existing employment sites. Proposals for their redevelopment or intensification through extensions, new buildings or redevelopment can take place within the boundary provided that it does not result in significant harm to the landscape which is protected under policy E2 and deals comprehensively with the whole site. Proposal which involve the extension of the site boundary into the countryside would be considered on their individual merits. Open storage will only be permitted if it is not visually intrusive.
7.3 Assessment Methodology
7.3 This is based on the review of revenue, turnover, and employment (direct and indirect). However, it does not factor income multiplier effects from the development. The assessment looks at the permanent economic effects of the operations and does not take into account the construction phase for the proposed additional works.
7.4 Baseline Conditions
7.4.1 This is based on the current set up.
7.5 Yelspa Limited and Apsley Farms (A Partnership) New Business Employment
7.5.1 Yelspa Limited originally had revenues of around £300,000 pa and employed one person. Apsley Farms used to turn over £600,000 pa and employed one person and still does. Yelspa Limited will turnover £10,000,000 pa and now employs around 20 full time staff as well as around 13 sub-contractors currently. Apsley Farms has now achieved a £1,000,000 turnover.
33 Environmental Statement - Biomass Generating Plant, Faulkners Down Farm, Walworth Road, SP11 6LZ Yelspa Ltd
7.5.2 Staffing includes highly qualified graduates including a Biochemist, Process, Mechanical, Electrical, Software engineers and operational staff. As well as developing a support workshop, the project has also supported many local manufacturing businesses across the groundworks, civil engineering, mechanical, electrical and process pipework sectors.
An approximate breakdown of employment for the business is as follows:
7.6 Yelspa Core Operational Business
Director 1 Managers 4 (Operations and two Process/Lab Managers and 1 Farm) Plant and Farm Operatives 10 (All have recently been through additional plant training) Office Administration 2 (All transaction processing, accounts / payroll in house)
7.7 Yelspa Research, Design and Development
Electrical, Mechanical and Programming 3 engineers
7.7.1 The business is now being approached by third parties to help other renewable energy and anaerobic digestion businesses with engineering consultancy and construction services.
7.8 Directly Related Sub Contractors currently on site
Electrical and Mechanical 3 engineers Groundworks Contractors 2 engineers Structural Steelwork 2 engineers Mechanical and Process Pipework 2 engineers
7.8.1 The plant is therefore creating skilled employment opportunities within a process engineering, gas and electricity generation environment. In addition, considerable laboratory and engineering workshop skills are starting to develop as the plant develops into an operation and maintenance mode of business following construction.
34 Environmental Statement - Biomass Generating Plant, Faulkners Down Farm, Walworth Road, SP11 6LZ Yelspa Ltd
7.9 Supply Chain related Employment
7.9.1 The business also sources approximately 87% of its feedstock inputs from third parties, creating another new £4,000,000pa local business. This main contractor and supplier provide employment for:
Directors 2 Manager 1 Administration, Agronomy and Accounts 4 HGV Drivers 5 Farming Operatives 5
7.9.2 In addition, this business is now developing an organic fertiliser distribution and spreading business and starting to win work from other farmers and anaerobic digestion operators.
7.10 Farm crop suppliers
7.10.1 Since commencing the AD plant Yelspa Ltd has now worked with over 50 local farms. Typically the business is taking around 20% of their output (including break crops, grass and wholecrop), this probably equates to maintaining around another 15 full time farming employees within the agricultural sector.
7.11 Further opportunities
7.11.1 The liquefaction of CO2 also opens up new markets in the food and drink industry.
7.12 Contribution of the Local Economy
7.12.1 Aside from the spending of the Company into the local economy the spending on goods and services from the workforce locally will contribute to wealth generation.
35 Environmental Statement - Biomass Generating Plant, Faulkners Down Farm, Walworth Road, SP11 6LZ Yelspa Ltd
7.13 Likely Significant Effects
7.13.1 Over the long term the completed development is likely to have a major significant beneficial effect on the local economy.
7.14 Mitigation Measures
7.14.1 No measures are required to mitigate the beneficial effects of providing employment.
Summary and Conclusion
7.14.2 Policy gives significant weight to sustainable economic development. The scheme provides direct employment for skilled workers. It also provides indirect employment opportunities. It will have a major beneficial effect on the local economy.
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