An anaerobic digester is being proposed for the outskirts of Haverhill, just opposite the Epicentre. The planning application into Suffolk County Council is due any day.

There is much to think about. The key question is “would I want the anaerobic digester near where I live?“ Well, no I wouldn’t. And it seems many locals don’t want it either. I stand by local residents and will support them in getting this application refused.

It is likely to negatively affect house prices and whilst I am told they don’t smell (very much anyway) I wonder how tons of chicken poo can’t smell.

They do involve a serious amount of additional HGV traffic as the chicken poo will be brought in from afar. This will not help the congestion around Haverhill.

So what can be done? Tonight I chaired a meeting with Suffolk County Councillors, David Roach, Bobby Bennett and Joe Mason. My deputy Andrew Smith and ex West Suffolk Councillor Peter Stevens were also adding their weight to fighting the proposal.

We all agreed it is the right technology in the wrong place. It has no business being next to an urban area.

Having County Councillors helping to shape a matter that is the responsibility of the County Council is worth its weight in gold. Successful objections are always based on planning matters which are very specific. Just making a noise isn’t good enough. We have all taken some actions away.