Farmers deny Cuffley compost facility will be health risk

THE farmers behind controversial plans to build an anaerobic digestion plant in Cuffley have rubbished claims it will pose a risk to health and say villagers are being misinformed.

Brothers Adrian and Howard Williams, of D Williams and Co, are seeking planning permission to build the eco-friendly plant and a compost facility at Cattlegate Farm.

They believe the parish council’s objection statement, which is circulating the village, is full of inaccuracies.

Adrian said: “The information is not accurate and, as the promoter, we feel we need to clarify our position.”

The brothers have spent three years developing the project for the farm which has been in the family since 1928.

“We have explored every aspect to respect the feelings of our neighbours and the sensitivity of the countryside and local environment,” added Adrian. “This is not an industrial operation it is an environmentally-friendly way of processing food waste using 21st century technology that is safe and has passed stringent legislation in connection with odour emissions, noise and visual impact.

“As well, it contributes to EU regulations regarding significant CO2 reductions.”

The brothers attended last week’s parish council meeting where they answered questions from the public, the majority of which concerned the impact of increased traffic in the village.

The father-of-two added: “Yes, the plant will run 24-hours-a-day, as it is a purely biological process – the same way a compost heap in your garden operates all day.”

But, he pointed out, lorries will only enter the site from Monday to Saturday between 8am and 6pm.

“We have applied for 20 but our expected intake is 14 per day but we have to allow for hold ups on motorways and to catch up from bank holidays,” said the farmer.

Concerns have been raised about the possibility of pathogens being released from the plant.

Adrian said: “This is yet another misunderstanding. The process kills pathogens and spores and therefore none can be emitted.”

He explains the plant will have no visual impact as the buildings’ height is below the existing tree line and further trees will be planted to ensure it cannot be viewed.

As for the close proximity to the village school and amenities he said: “Under Environment Agency regulations it should be 250m (820ft) from any dwellings – at 700m (2296ft) we have more than satisfied this.”

He is urging villagers to read the application in full before making a decision.

He added: “This as a way forward for Cuffley and Northaw to embrace forward thinking and environmentally-aware technology by supporting turning 25,000 tonnes of food waste – which would otherwise go to landfill – into enough electricity to power 1,200 homes,” said Adrian.

“If after, viewing the plans if anyone has any questions, please get in contact with us.”