Foston pig unit and anaerobic digestion plant
Updated 7 February 2017
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Background
Midland Pig Producers Limited applied to the Environment Agency for an environmental permit for a proposed pig unit and anaerobic digestion plant on land adjacent to Foston Prison on Uttoxeter Road, DE65 5DL on 29 March 2011.
The permit application (EPR/LP3930FA/A001) related to the installation of 14 pig houses with the capacity for up to 24,500 pigs (of which 2,500 are sows and 14,000 are production pigs, and with up to 8,000 associated pigs from weaning). The permit application also included an anaerobic digestion plant and biogas combustion for the treatment of pig manures and slurries.
The permit application was subject to public consultation from 3 July 2013 to 31 July 2013.
The operator was asked to provide additional detail as the application did not include all the information needed to complete a determination. Following a number of requests from the Environment Agency for further information, the operator submitted their final revised application in October 2014.
In February 2015, The Environment Agency refused the permit application on the grounds of odour. In August 2016, Midland Pig Producers Limited submitted an appeal to the Planning Inspector against the Environment Agency’s decision.
Following a Planning Inquiry, on the 19 December 2016, the Planning Inspector ruled that a permit be issued to Midland Pig Producers Ltd for a proposed pig unit and anaerobic digestion plant on land adjacent to Foston Prison on Uttoxeter Road, DE65 5DL.
Update history
Update: 7 February 2017
Following the decision from the Planning Inspector in December, the permit has now been issued to Midland Pig Producers.
Update: 19 December 2016
On the 19 December 2016, the Planning Inspector ruled that a permit be issued to Midland Pig Producers Ltd for a proposed pig unit and anaerobic digestion plant on land adjacent to Foston Prison on Uttoxeter Road, DE65 5DL. This ruling is available to view in the Planning Inspector’s Appeal Decision. The Environment Agency will now issue a permit as directed by the Inspector.
Midland Pig Producers Ltd, also need planning permission for this facility.
Update: 1 November 2016
The Planning Inquiry into the permit appeal submitted by Midland Pig Producers Limited against the Environment Agency’s permit decision formally reopened on 1 November.
The Inquiry is now closed and the Planning Inspector has requested further information from both parties to be supplied by 9 November. The Planning Inspector will then consider all evidence before making a decision.
Update: August 2016
The Planning Inquiry into the permit appeal submitted by Midland Pig Producers Limited against the Environment Agency’s permit decision was formally opened on Tuesday 12 July 2016 and adjourned by the inspector until 1 to 4 November 2016.
In submitting evidence for the Planning Inquiry against the Environment Agency’s permit decision, Midland Pig Producers Limited provided additional information. With agreement from both parties the inspector adjourned the appeal to enable the Environment Agency to review this information.
Update: February 2015
In February 2015, the Environment Agency refused the application in accordance with the Environmental Permitting Regulations (England and Wales) 2010.
The Environment Agency made this decision after completing a rigorous assessment of the application. This included reviewing further information submitted by the applicant and all public consultation responses.
After considering all of the information, the Environment Agency was not satisfied that the activities could be undertaken without resulting in significant pollution of the environment due to odour.
Update: August 2015
On 7 August 2015, Midland Pig Producers Limited submitted an Appeal Form along with the Grounds of Appeal to the Secretary of State. The Environment Agency will notify anyone it considers is affected by the decision, or who may have an interest in it.
The Planning Inspectorate will shortly send a letter to the Environment Agency and Midland Pig Producers Limited which will set the timetable for the appeal and submissions of statements.
The Environment Agency will have 6 weeks from this date to file their pre inquiry statement, which will set out the case it intends to present and the reasons for the decision to refuse the environmental permit.
Contacts
For general enquiries relating to the environmental permit issued to Midlands Pig Producers, please email Enquiries_WestMids@environment-agency.gov.uk