Council clears path for full planning application to proceed

A renewable energy company Pelco has been given the all clear to progress plans for a new straw pelletising plant in Queen Adelaide.

The company submitted a screening option to East Cambridgeshire District Council earlier this month to test whether the proposed development would require a full environmental impact study.

This week, the council determined that an environmental study would not be required, clearing the way for Pelco to submit a formal planning application in the coming weeks.

Planning officer Rebecca Saunt told Pelco: “It is considered that the development is not likely to have significant effects on the environment by virtue of its character, size and location.”

The proposed plant would border Potter Group’s current aggregate depot, off Queen Adelaide Way, as well as Roswell Pits – a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

In its submission to the district council, agents acting for Pelco said: “The purpose of the development is to process straw derived from local agriculture and turn it into pelletised form, that can be taken off site via rail and road to be used as a fuel to generate renewable energy.”

The development would see one building erected on site and divided into three areas; for storing, grinding and then pelletising the straw bales.

According to the plans, the plant, which would take up almost five acres, would be capable of operating 24 hours a day and would be able to deal with 150,000 tonnes of straw per year.

A decision on the screening option is expected within the next eight weeks. To view the plans, or to have a say, visit www.eastcambs.gov.uk