HomeMy WebLinkAbout2660018 - Submission - Anne MatthewsAnne Matthews,
Drumgole,
Rockcorry,
Co Monaghan
Monaghan County Council
1 Dublin Street
Monaghan
H 18 X982
Re: Objection to Planning Application Ref. 26/60018 —Proposed Biogas Plant
Dear Sir / Madam,
I wish to make a formal objection to the above planning application.
My name is Ann Matthews and I am an elderly resident living in the Blackkesh area of County
Monaghan. My home is located approximately 500 metres from the proposed biogas plant site,
and I am deeply concerned about the serious negative impacts this development would have on
my home, mywellbeing, and our rural community.
Traffic and Road Safety
The proposed development will generate a significant increase in heavy goods vehicle traffic,
including trucks transporting feedstock and digestate. The local roads in this area are narrow
rural roads, not designed to safely accommodate frequent heavy traffic. Increased vehicle
movements will pose a serious risk to road safety, particularly for local residents, pedestrians,
cyclists, and elderly people such as myself. Noise, vibration, and dust from increased traffic
would also significantly reduce residential amenity.
Noise Pollution
The operation of a biogas plant involves machinery, generators, pumps, and frequent vehicle
movements. This will result in continuous and intrusive noise, which is entirely unsuitable for
a quiet rural area. Given my proximity to the site, this noise would negatively affect my quality
of life, peace, and enjoyment of my home, particularly during early morning, evening, or
nighttime operations.
Odour and Air Quality
Biogas plants are known to create odours arising from the handling and storage of organic
materials. The potential for persistent and unpleasant smells is a serious concern, especially at
a distance of only 500 metres from my home. Odour pollution would significantly impact
residential amenity and could adversely affect health and wellbeing, particularly for older
residents.
Light Pollution
The proposed development is likely to require extensive external lighting for security and
operational purposes. This will introduce artificial light into an otherwise dark rural
environment, causing light pollution that will disturb nearby homes, wildlife, and the natural
character of the area. This is inappropriate in a rural residential setting.
Environmental Impact
I am concerned about the potential environmental risks associated with this development,
including impacts on local watercourses, groundwater, soil quality, and wildlife habitats. Any
leakage, runoff, or accidental discharge could have serious and lasting consequences for the
local environment and agricultural land. I believe the environmental impacts have not been
adequately addressed or mitigated.
Impact on Rural Character and Community
The scale and industrial nature of a biogas plant is out of keeping with the rural character of
the Blackkesh area. This development would fundamentally change the nature of our
community, undermining its rural amenity and setting. The proximity of such an industrial
facility to family homes and long-established residents is inappropriate and unacceptable.
Residential Amenity and Proximity
The close proximity of the proposed plant to my home will result in a serious loss of residential
amenity, due to noise, traffic, odour, and visual intrusion. This development would place an
unreasonable burden on nearby residents, particularly elderly people who depend on a
peaceful
and safe living environment.
Conclusion
For the reasons outlined above, I respectfully request that planning permission be refused for
this development. The proposal represents an inappropriate industrial development in a rural
residential area and would have unacceptable impacts on residents, the environment, and the
local community.
Thank you for considering my submission.
Yours faithfully,
Anne Matthew