Villagers claim firm's new plans will destroy the open countryside

By leslie jackson les.jackson@thepostandtimes.co.uk

FAMILIES in a village are furious after an animal rendering plant was allowed to change plans for how it will produce electricity.

Neighbours of John Pointon and Sons say the open countryside will be ruined by an amended scheme which will see a 39-metre (128 ft) chimney "dominate the landscape for miles around".

They are now making a computer simulation of the proposed development which will go on display in the village to show others what it will look like.

The company had already received permission to build a £26 million energy resource centre on the former Beresford's bus depot, in Cheddleton.

Approval was previously given for the firm to install a renewable energy power unit, bio-diesel production unit and storage buildings.

But the company subsequently asked Staffordshire Moorlands District Council for permission to build an 'anaerobic digestion facility' instead of the bio-diesel plant. It argued the scheme had become financially unviable because of heavily-subsidised American markets.

Instead, it wants to capture methane gas from decomposing materials to produce a bio-gas and generate power.

The new scheme, approved last week, has received a furious backlash from neighbours.

It will be made up of a 14-metre (46 ft) process building, two 20-metre (65 ft) digester tanks, a 16-metre (52 ft) buffer tank and a 20-metre tall gas holder.

It has also extended a chimney approved in the previous scheme from 30 metres (98 ft) to 39 metres (128 ft).

Michelle Beaumont, of Basford Green, was dismayed by a "lack of consultation" over the amended scheme.

She said: "These are 70 ft tanks and a 130 ft chimney and in my opinion, local people have been misled.

"This won't be hidden away – people are going to see this monstrosity sticking up out of beautiful countryside for miles around."

Chief planning officer Mike Green conceded the application would have an 'inappropriate visual impact' in a green belt area. However, he recommended the plan be approved because it would also involve building community recreation facilities.

Mr Green also welcomed new jobs and the fact heavy traffic would no longer go past houses on the estate next to Felthouse Lane.

He said: "This plan is finely balanced between the impact of the energy resource centre and the creation of community sporting facilities."

Liberal Democrat councillor John Fisher was concerned the residents of Cheddleton has not been properly consulted about the proposal.

He said: "Do the public know what is happening? Have residents been notified a 39-metre chimney will be erected? The process could involve creating a smell."

Councillor Margaret Lovatt said: "The 48 traffic movements is more than was previously approved.

"And I am alarmed to hear the noise and odour nuisance has also increased."

However, Cheddleton representative, Councillor Mike Bowen, told fellow members the village badly needed a new sports venue.

He said: "The Environment Agency keeps a strong grip on the company.

"Leisure facilities are badly needed and Felthouse Lane will no longer be bothered by HGVs."

Councillors voted unanimously to approve the application. Work will start straight away and take two years to complete.

Pointon's director Mike Worthington said: "We are very pleased to get the support of the council. We want to move forward and what we are doing is the government-preferred option."