An anaerobic digester on the edge of Beccles would add to an "atrocious smell" and endanger the safety of pilots using a nearby airfield, critics say. 

Plans for the new plant at Ellough have drawn widespread criticism from the parish council, Beccles Aerodrome and numerous locals. 

Peter Aldous, MP for Waveney, said it was "very disappointing" that the applicant, Privilege Finance, had not yet consulted the community. 

A spokesman for Privilege Finance, which has worked on more than 30 similar projects, said the company would address concerns "in due course". 

Beccles & Bungay Journal: The proposed site is outlined by the red perimeter The proposed site is outlined by the red perimeter (Image: Parker Planning Services)

The new digester would cover approximately 6.2 hectares - roughly the size of 10 football pitches - at Ellough Industrial Estate.

But opponents say an existing plant in Ellough already causes an unpleasant odour, prompting fears over an even worse stench. 

Wendy Summerfield, chairman of Worlingham Parish Council, said those in opposition could take solace from the culmination of a years-long saga in Bressingham - which saw a controversial anaerobic digestion plant rejected by South Norfolk Council

On the existing Ellough facility, she added: "The emissions and smells are unpleasant. The people who work at the ambulance station opposite say it is an atrocious smell. 

"Workers and residents will find it [a new plant] unbearable. 

"We need to take encouragement from the Bressingham objection which was successful last week."

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On Tuesday (December 20) evening, Mr Aldous attended a meeting alongside representatives of nearby parishes including Worlingham, North Cove, Mutford, Ellough and Weston to discuss the proposals. 

Concerns were raised in relation to the site's proximity to Beccles Aerodrome, which lies just a mile away. 

Beccles & Bungay Journal: Waveney MP Peter Aldous says applicants need to consider the concerns of local people before they submit their applicationWaveney MP Peter Aldous says applicants need to consider the concerns of local people before they submit their application (Image: Archant)

The Beccles Aerodrome Safety Committee has objected to the plans on numerous grounds, stating that the applicant had been "negligent in ignoring the Air Navigation Order" and had "not consulted with the aerodrome operators". 

And it is this lack of consultation that Mr Aldous has found frustrating. 

He said: "I think it is very important that all renewable energy projects and their developers - which, in future, are going to be built more and more in local communities as the demand for clean energy increases - must communicate with local communities before they submit an application.  

"Developers can then file their plans with consideration to the concerns of the community.  

"In this case, it is very disappointing that the applicant has not properly engaged with the community."

Privilege Finance said it "appreciates" that concerns have been raised in relation to the plant, which would be a 'food waste gas-to-grid' facility. 

Explaining the environmental benefits it could bring, the spokesman added: "The new anaerobic digestion site proposed will produce renewable energy by breaking down food waste and other organic materials in digester tanks. 

"This replaces the use of non-renewable fossil fuels, which are the main contributor of greenhouse gases. 

“The plant has been designed with the public and local businesses in mind to eliminate the impact on them wherever possible."

Beccles & Bungay Journal: The proposed Site Layout The proposed Site Layout (Image: Parker Planning Services)

Teresa Brooks, a pilot who flies at Beccles Aerodrome, has rejected the proposals over fears that the proposed site is in an emergency landing area.  

"The proposed site is the only area where a pilot can potentially land following an engine failure on take-off from runway 27," said Mrs Brooks. 

"Development at this site would also cause additional air turbulence for pilots." 

Ben Archard, a rescue and firefighting employee at the aerodrome, had additional safety fears. 

He said: "The proposal would jeopardize the response time for us to get to an incident and conduct firefighting and rescue.  

"This was typified in an accident not so long ago, when an aircraft crashed shortly after taking off.   

"The pilot was unfortunately killed and the crash is under investigation".

Beccles & Bungay Journal: There was a fatal incident at Beccles airfield earlier this yearThere was a fatal incident at Beccles airfield earlier this year (Image: Archant)

Mr Aldous also highlighted the aerodrome's importance to the local economy.  

He added: "Beccles Aerodrome is really important to the local economy and, with offshore projects taking place nearby, it will become even more important in future years.  

"I strongly do not think any developments should go ahead which may jeopardize the aerodrome."

A decision on the application is due to be issued by Suffolk County Council in due course.