Plans amended for Norfolk in-vessel composting facility

A proposal to build a new in-vessel composting facility on a farm in Norfolk has been amended following feedback from local residents.

The facility is planned by council-owned company Norfolk Environmental Waste Services (NEWS), in conjunction with Crane & Sons (Farms) Ltd, for a site on Mr Crane's Wood Farm at Marsham, north of Norwich.

The firm aims to eventually deal with 45,000 tonnes of green and organic waste annually at the new facility, though it has targeted an initial level of 30,000 tonnes.

The need to make changes emerged after feedback from both local residents and professional consultants saw concerns expressed over the odour, noise and traffic the project would produce.

The initial planning application for the project, which would produce a soil improver for use on Mr Crane's farm, was withdrawn after a failed attempt by NEWS to extend the application period to allow them to modify their proposals.

Modifying the plans in response to the concerns, NEWS has now revealed that it is prepared to make a re-application for planning permission.

Maturation

The company's engineering projects manager, Richard Varvel, outlined the details of the amended plans, which will see the footprint of the facility reduced by almost one third and a change from the maturation process originally proposed, with a negative aeration system aiming to reduce noise and odour.

“Our initial plan was to simply use an open-air maturation process and turn it manually,” he said. “However, we will now use a more innovative approach and place this material in static piles, which will be subjected to negative air pressure instead of manual turning.

“The extracted air will then be passed out through bio-filters, eliminating any odours,” he added. “Additionally, the maturation process will now not require mechanical agitation which will therefore further reduce noise impacts. All other parts of the process are under cover within buildings.”

Consultation

Mr Varvel also sought to highlight the positive impact that the consultation process had had on the amended proposals.

He said: “These modifications come as a result of listening to residents and professional consultees. We have been able to modify the design using an even more efficient method of processing this important, 'green' resource.

“Amending the plans will enable use to provide more information on all the issues so that everyone can be satisfied that this facility will meet the long-term need for recycling and composting without negative effects.”

Today Mr Varvel revealed that NEWS plans to submit the amended planning application in early April, with a five to six month construction period for the facility envisaged if the plans are approved.