On 22 March Egger submitted a planning application for approval to build a partial shelter over part of the log-loading machine – which seems to generate most of the current noise.
The shelter roofs over two of the three sections where logs are dropped or shuffled together. The shelter will have solid walls on the north and much of the east sides – i.e. the sides facing Oakwood and Anick – with flexible rubber belting covering the west and south sides.
The noise consultant’s analysis predicts that the changes will substantially reduce the maximum noise from the areas covered. But the consultant notes that “the partial enclosure or screening of the Holtec is likely to be compromised by impact noise from those parts of the Holtec that have not been enclosed / screened. Once the enclosure of the Log Deck area is constructed and operational it is proposed that further onsite assessments are carried out to determine the most cost effective method of progression while complying with BAT”. ["BAT" stands for Best Available Technology, which Egger are required to use under their Environmental Permit to Operate.]
This seems like another step in the right direction, worth supporting. A pity that Egger won’t just get on and do the whole job properly but maybe the noise consultant is wrong and this part-measure will suffice?
The application was officially registered by the Council as number 20100225 on 15 April. The public have 21 days from then to submit comments. The plans are not especially easy to interpret for a lay person. The most informative document is the noise consultant’s 2-page report.
You can consult the applications, plans and other papers at the Planning Department, Old Grammar School, Hallgate, Hexham (I think between 10.30am and 3.30 pm Monday-Friday) or online (once you have registered) at:
https://econsultation.planningportal.gov.uk/econsul-client/Welcome.do
or via the county council website at: