Farmer turned away from biogas meeting (From Knutsford Guardian)
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Farmer turned away from biogas meeting
11:20am Saturday 27th October 2012 in News
By David Morgan
A TWEMLOW farmer has told how he was excluded from discussions about his plans for a biogas plant.
Ray Brown and his wife and son were turned away from an opposition meeting in response to his proposal to transform the former MoD depot in Twemlow Lane into an anaerobic digestion scheme.
Janet Capper, spokesman for Twemlow and Goostrey (TAG) No To Waste Plant, said the meeting at the Playing Field Pavilion, Goostrey, was for protestors only.
But Mr Brown, of Orchards Farm, said he was disappointed he could not listen to concerns and answer questions.
He said: “I was very disappointed the organisers of the group refused to let me in.
“It was a shame the organisers of the meeting did not give those who attended the opportunity to ask me their questions.”
Ms Capper said: “If we need the applicant to provide answers and explanations, we will invite CRES (Community Renewable Energy Scheme) to make a short presentation at a future meeting.
“However CRES Biogas has held its own open days which the public could attend to hear the CRES viewpoint.
“All the details of the application to bring in 47,000 tonnes of foodwaste and slurry and remove 41,000 tonnes of digestate are already in the public domain on the Cheshire East website.
“We want to keep local people informed as this proposal would affect residents across four parishes.”
Goostrey resident Brian Smith said: “I know the Browns as long-term residents and from their involvement in local events, and my only concern is that it all seemed to be getting a bit lop-sided.
“I don’t understand all the reluctance to let Mr Brown try to answer the criticisms.
“If there is such a strong case against his plans, then by all means shoot him down in flames.
“How can that hurt? We’ll have to let the planning process reach its own public meeting stage.”
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