A public inquiry will start at Bury Town Hall tomorrow to decide if an anaerobic digestion plant can be built in Ramsbottom. Government-appointed inspector Ian Jenkins will oversee the inquiry, prompted by Bury Council’s decision to reject the original application.

The inquiry is expected to run for 11 days, and will hear from those in favour of and against the plans, after which Mr Jenkins will produce a report, which will then be sent to Bury Council. The public are able to attend, with the inquiry sitting daily from 10am-5pm.

Andrew Bardlsey looks at the arguments for and against building the plant.

FOR

THE proposed anaerobic digestion plant in Ramsbottom would divert 45,000 tonnes of food waste every year from landfill and convert it into renewable energy, according to the applicants.

Peel Environmental say the plant, at Fletcher Bank Quarry, would not be visible to nearby residents, would not create an unreasonable strain on nearby roads, and would not create a smell in Ramsbottom.

The plant, which would be built and run by Tamar Energy, would result in carbon savings of around 30,825 tonnes each year, say Peel.

The waste would be transferred into heat and electricity in a complex process, with the energy produced being enough to power the whole of the adjacent Marshalls site. Any excess power would be sent to the National Grid.

Biofertiliser would also be produced as part of the process, which would then be sold on to the farming industry.

If approved, the four acre site would be built next to Marshalls’ concrete manufacturing facility.

The current level of the land would be lowered, with the earth from that area being used to fill another part of the quarry.

The quarry is owned by Peel and Marshalls, and produces stone for landscape and construction products.

Marshalls also operates a concrete production factory at the site, which employs more than 120 people, producing products such as concrete flags, kerbs and blocks.

Kieran Tames, development surveyor at Peel, said that if the plant went ahead, about another 27 trucks a day would enter the site, on top of an average of 200 and 300 trucks which currently leave and visit the site every day.

Mr Tames said he acknowledged the concerns of residents and the Ramsbottom Against Waste Site (RAWS) campaign group, but insisted that the site would not adversely affect Ramsbottom, and that plans will be in place to ensure the plant meets the highest safety standards.

He said: "It is a safe technology. There are about 140 anaerobic digestion plants across the country, and it is favoured by national policy.

"We know there's an opposition group who will be putting their views across, and I am sure others will want to as well.

"We are aware that local people have raised concerns, particularly about odour, but we have done a lot of work to assess what impact the development would have, and we wouldn't be going ahead if we thought there would be an issue for residents.

"We don't think it will be a problem for the road network. The good thing about the site is that it has good access and is close to the M66."

In addition, Peel say that the plant represents a £10 million investment in the area, and that new jobs will be created due to its construction and operation.

"We hope we will be successful. I couldn't comment on the chances but we think we have got a good case."

AGAINST

PROTESTORS argue that the proposed anaerobic digestion plant would leave Ramsbottom smelling of rotting food waste.

Campaigners also claim that the plant would bring an unfavourable number of extra trucks to the site along Ramsbottom's roads, would reduce the value of nearby homes, and damage the town's reputation as a tourist destination.

Following opposition from residents since the plans were first submitted in 2013, the protest group Ramsbottom Against Waste Site (RAWS) was established.

The group has campaigned vociferously against the plans, and one Ramsbottom-based musician Uke Punk even wrote a song named 'Smellyman' in protest.

The campaign culminated with a planning meeting at Bury Town Hall, with about 200 protestors demonstrating outside, where Bury Council's planning committee unanimously rejected the plans.

Ramsbottom Cllr Ian Bevan, who is also a member of RAWS, said: "Residents of Shuttleworth and Ramsbottom do not want a waste plant right on their doorstep.

"Within just 100 metres of the site boundary of the proposed plant, there are more than 100 properties, 250 residents, two restaurants, three sites of scientific biological interest, and at least one natural watercourse.

"Just 200 metres away is Peel Brow Primary School. Just think of the potential pollution, with smells, noise and traffic that we, as local residents, would have to put up with.

"At other AD plants, residents have had to keep windows closed, stop children playing outside, dry washing indoors, because of the bad smells.”

Karen Pollard-Rylance, chairman of RAWS, added: "We want to make it clear that this is not nimbyism for the sake of not wanting a blight on the landscape, although visual impact is also a factor.

"This is about looking after the health of our residents, businesses and tourists.

"We care about our environment, community, people and facilities. We care about our health, we care about our road network, we care about our open spaces.

"We have a right to live healthily and enjoy our outdoor spaces, spending time in our gardens, playgrounds, parks and homes would be at threat of air pollution. This AD plant would jeopardise who we are now and who we would be in the future."

Bury North MP David Nuttall recently called for a decision on the plant to be 'called in' and made by Eric Pickles, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government.

Shuttleworth resident Dr Peter Jackson, who will speak on behalf of RAWS at the public inquiry, added: "We have urged residents not to stand back and let this development ruin Ramsbottom. Other AD plants have been plagued by problems with bad smells and air quality issues.

"Homes could be de-valued and local businesses could be forced to relocate if trade is affected and tourists stay away. AD plants should not be cited so close to residential areas. The nearest house is just 30 metres away."