How do you use the digestate which is produced?
“The digestate produced is used in two ways; the solid fraction is used as a soil conditioner, with the liquid being used as a fertiliser for crop production.”
What happens to the biomethane gas and electricity which is produced?
“The biomethane gas is injected into the Wales & West Gas Networks, on average 21,000m3 per day. The electricity generated on site is used to run the plant with surplus power being exported into the National Grid. In addition, 20 tonnes of CO2 is captured and liquified per day.”
On your Throckmorton site you also produce on-the-vine cherry tomatoes in your glasshouses all year round (La Serra Ltd); how does this production operate? And does this differ in the winter months?
There is a red glow in the sky at night coming from Rotherdale Farm. How are you planning on tackling this light pollution problem?
“The red glow is being tackled by addressing some of the heating and ventilation of the glass at night. Commissioning issues created poor humidity issues during the night. These have been addressed and the impact should now be less. This has been bourne out of the number of comments received from January to date.”
Do you have plans on expanding your glasshouses? If so, can you please explain how many you have now, what you are planning on expanding this to and when?
“We have plans to complete the glasshouse development. We currently have 8 of the 12 hectares in operation. The remaining 4 hectares will be completed when the economy is a little more stable.”
When can we expect the glasshouse site landscaping to be carried out?
“The glasshouse site landscaping was due to be undertaken in March 2020, and the planting material was ordered for delivery towards the end of March. Covid-19 unfolded and due to lockdown our supplier was unable to lift and transport the planting material.
The plan now is to undertake the work during the Autumn. The ground workers are back on site which will allow the soil bund to be re-shaped.”
During the Summer, many local residents complained of a very strong smell coming from the spreading of the fields, or even from the biodigester itself. How are you planning on dealing with this going forward?
“The spreading will continue following best practice set out by DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs). We have made a few alterations to the liquid storage facility which will help with the odour at the point of spreading.”
What should local residents do if they experience this smell again?
This address is monitored by different departments within the business, making sure all comments and complaints are noted and actioned.”
Some local residents have expressed concern regarding the elevated traffic from tractors coming through the villages. How are you dealing with this?
“Wherever possible we try to operate a one-way system through the local villages when a large quantity of vehicle movements is required. The frequency of vehicle movements will alter annually depending on the crop rotation on the various parcels of land.”
Some local residents also perceive the speed of your vehicles coming through the village as being too fast. I understand that when your drivers do slow down to below 30mph other drivers try to overtake dangerously. How have you addressed this concern?
“As a business we have had requests from our tractor drivers to fit Dash Cams to the main haulage vehicles on the road. Our drivers have reported various near misses which need to be documented.”
How are all your tractors, trailers and sludge spreaders identified? And does this meet with regulations?
“All the vehicles directly operated by Springhill Farms (Pershore) Ltd are identified by number plates on the vehicles. Agricultural vehicles do not necessarily have to have the same number plate as the tractor. The number plate must be registered to the farm.”
How do you monitor the driving hours of your drivers?
“Driving hours are recorded on daily manual time sheets.”
How are all your tractors, trailers and sludge spreaders identified? And does this meet with regulations?
“All the vehicles directly operated by Springhill Farms are identified by number plates on the vehicles. Agricultural vehicles do not necessarily have to have the same number plate as the tractor. The number plate must be registered to the farm.”
In the current SWDP proposals there is a map showing proposed land being made available; does any of this land belong to Evesham Vale Growers Ltd or any of its subsidiaries?
“Yes, some of the land within the SWDP proposals does belong to Springhill Farms (Pershore) Ltd.”
If anyone were interested in visiting your site for a tour, how would they arrange this?
“Visits are available and contact through the Parish Council would be the best route.”
For more information do you have a website?
I would like to thank Andrew for taking time out of his busy schedule.
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