Agenda item

To consider the report of the Chief Planning Officer for the change of use and extension of building from a workshop and storage to a combined heat a power plant and the storage of fuel at Moor Lodge Caravan Site, 103 Blackmoor Lane, Bardsey, Leeds.

(Report attached)

The submitted report of the Chief Planning Officer outlined the change of use and extension of building from a workshop and storage to a combined heat and power plant and the storage of fuel at Moor Lodge Caravan Site, Bardsey, Leeds.

The application had been brought to Panel at the request of Cllr. Procter who raised concerns relating to the potential noise and pollution issues on neighbouring residents and issues of traffic relating to the deliveries of fuel.

It was noted that 8 letters of objection had been received which raised concerns in relation to development in the Green Belt and traffic issues. The Parish Council had also raised concerns about the application.

The Panel were shown photographs and slides of the site.

Members were informed that the proposal was to change the use and extend the existing storage building on the site and to install a flue. The extension was to facilitate the installation of an ArborElectroGen 45 Combined Heat and Power Unit. The energy generated would be used to service the applicant’s caravan park.

Members were informed that the nearest garden was 53 metres away and that the emissions from the flue were not considered as harmful.

Waste from the site would be collected 4 times per year and it was not thought that this would cause traffic issues.

The Panel were advised that this type of burner was not linked to pollution and if it was to go ahead it would be only the second of its type in Leeds. It was noted that Harewood House had a biogas fuel burner.

Cllr. Cleasby expressed his concerns about the biogas fuel burner informing the Panel that there was one in his ward which had raised complaints from residents within the area. He said that due to the complaints he had passed on his concerns to the Medical Examiner in relation to harmful pollution and noise.

The Panel noted that this particular area of Bardsey was not in a smoke protection area.

It was not known what height the chimney would be. However, Members were assured that it would be of sufficient height to take waste away from the site and would be covered by policy as used in Germany.

The Environmental Health Officer explained the process of a submission to DEFRA.

Members had a number of concerns as follows:

1.  The Harewood  House biogas fuel burner was different as it was set in an isolated area not near houses

2.  What would the electric generated be used for?

3.  What would happen when the site was not used during the winter months?

4.  What is burnt per hour and what is generated?

5.  Height and impact of the flue

6.  Size of the vehicle to take the waste?

Mathew Dowley representing Moor Lodge Caravan Park was available at the meeting to answer questions. He informed the Panel of the following:

·  This was new technology from Finland

·  There are currently 40 of these burners across England some of which are in smoke controlled areas

·  The burner breaks down the wood to produce clean gas. It is the gas that is burned. It is 93% cleaner than natural gas

·  The biogas fuel burner is supported by Ofgen

·  The log cabins on the caravan site would use the electricity produced

·  Some of these biogas fuel burners were located in London

·  G50 grade woodchip would been used in the burner

·  Highlighted 10.17 of the submitted report which provided details of an assessment by the Environmental Protection Team

RESOLVED – The Plans Panel resolved to defer the application for 1 cycle for more information to be gathered in respect of the operation of the unit and emissions from it.