THE WORMSLADE ANAEROBIC DIGESTER PLANT – Update

Following the commencement of the construction of the Plant and its associated works in January 2025, the Clipston Parish Council summarises the current position (together with references to some important use conditions following completion of the Digester) as follows.

1. The relevant and most recent Planning Decision Notice is ref WNC/23/00043/WASVOC (the Planning Consent). This is attached as a pdf and can be found within this link

https://www.westnorthants.gov.uk/minerals-and-waste-decisions/minerals-and-waste-decisions-daventry.

This website also provides access to submitted and approved drawings (please consider both 23/00041 and 23/00043).

2. During construction, the developer/contractor should conform with an approved Construction Traffic Management Plan (CTMP). The CTPM can be found here. The Parish Council raised with West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) a number of queries regarding adherence to this, for which both WNC and the contractor have now given a reply. This includes the following:

• No HGV access/egress is permitted through the Village. HGV access is only permitted from the A 508
• Layby constructed within the site for site vehicles to pass. Vehicles arriving ahead of schedule to not wait on Church Lane/Station Road. Their Plan confirms they should wait further away before being called by the Site Management team.
• Advanced signage.
• Wheel wash facility onsite.
• Information or immediate Safety Issues – 07494 137 412 (Site Manager). Complaints – email: contact@wormsladegreenenergy.com

The contractor has provided the following freephone number for complaints/information – 08082 710588. In most cases there will be a request for a telephone call back, which should be returned within 24 hours.

It appears some of the above was not followed, especially during the initial delivery of heavy construction vehicles. The Traffic Management for the road widening works, as outlined in paragraph 4.4 of the CTMP refers to the use of traffic lights. It has now been determined that, owing to the narrowness of Church Road/Station Road adjoining the Digester Site, the Road has been closed to carry out the road widening works.

We do advise Clipston residents to raise any issues directly with the number / email address provided above. We will try and keep a close eye on whether adherence to the CTMP is employed, or not.

3. The recent realignment of the hedgerows is to ensure suitable visibility splays are provided at the junction with the development to Church Lane/Station Road. The road widening works to be shortly undertaken will be from and including the new access to the Wormslade development to the A508. These works do not include any further widening of Church Road/Station Road to the village. This is shown in greater detail on the following links Layout 1 and Layout 2 

4. Once operational, as per Condition 5 of the Planning Consent, the feedstock imports are restricted to farm slurry waste, agricultural waste (excluding animal carcases) and biomass crops.

5. Once operational, as per Condition 10 of the Planning Consent, HGVs and farm trailers associated with the facility, cannot travel through Clipston (or other nearby villages) as per the linked drawing  (Restricted Routes are shown in purple). Condition 11 of the Planning Consent provides for a Transport Management Scheme to be submitted and approved demonstrating how this will be adhered to. We will request a copy of this once submitted.

6. Once operational, Condition 20 of the Planning Consent provides a process and timescales for complaint handling, regarding odour, noise, lighting and/or dust. Condition 17 regulates these matters in accordance with various Management Plans, submitted to WNC.