Planning officer Tim Barker made his recommendation to South Norfolk Council, with a report echoing the concerns set forth by groups and individuals opposed to the plans for Deal Farm.
So far, 363 public comments of objection have been recorded, with 61 in support. Plans are set to be ruled on next week.
In his report, Barker stated: “It is not accepted that the quantity, source and means of delivery of the feedstock could be controlled in a manner that would not have an unacceptable impact on the highly constrained local highway network.
“It is also not accepted that the development would be appropriate to the identified features of the local landscape character area, even when taking into account the mitigation measures proposed.
“As a consequence, it is considered that there are significant adverse impacts which outweigh the benefits of the renewable energy provided, along with any other benefits.
“Furthermore, it is not considered that the impacts can be made acceptable.
“Given that much of the development has already been carried out, should members be minded to refuse the application, officers’ consideration to appropriate enforcement action and timing of this will be given.”
An initial application for the anaerobic digester gas plant was submitted in 2015 and was approved, however, the resulting construction was deemed to be so different to the plans that work was halted.
The most recent application, submitted in 2021, proposed to keep the existing structures in place, with a plan to operate the plant at half capacity – a point which has called in to question its viability, should approval be granted.
