Plainsman1963

Hemp plant boss: 'We'll go elsewhere'
01-10-07 | Thetfordandbrandontimes.co.uk

The boss of a company planning to open the UK's largest hemp-processing factory in Norfolk is considering relocating after proposals were rejected.

Plans to turn agricultural buildings at Camp Farm in Roudham, into a £3.5m production plant and six storage warehouses were turned down by Breckland Council on Monday.

Members felt the rural location was not appropriate for a large-scale commercial development and were concerned that Roudham Road would not be able to cope with heavy traffic.

The plans were submitted by Paul Rackham Ltd but the processing plant would be run by Hemcore Ltd.

Its managing director Mike Duckett said he was “appalled” at the response of the committee.

He said: “This is a very good environmental project and after searching East Anglia this was the most suitable site we found.

“It could jeopardise the plans and where we decide to put the plant. The whole thing is now up in the air.”

The meeting heard estimates that up to 240 extra vehicles would come and go at the site each day - though a report to support the plans estimated it would be no more than 80, with an extra 16 for the hemp processing plant.

The plans have generated fierce objections in Roudham and Bridgham with 140 people writing letters opposing the plans, citing increased traffic and disruption to the rural area.

The highways authority, Norfolk County council, objected because of inadequate local roads and the meeting heard there were occasions where vehicles were already queuing out of the farm.

Principal planning officer Nick Moys said three farm buildings were already being used for storage and enforcement proceedings had begun to stop their use.

Mr Moys said the county council's objections to the processing plant could be overcome with restrictions on areas such as routes and operating hours - something he said Hemcore had accepted.

Councillor for the area Lady Fisher said: “This is absolutely the wrong place for so large an initiative.

“Not only is there the problem of extra traffic but also extra noise and light pollution.”

The plant would process 7,000 acres of hemp a year, which would be turned into green building material, housing insulation, interior car panels, fuel and horse bedding.

The business would employ 14 people and would operate on a 24-hour basis for an initial period of 240 days a year.