Longhill composting centre update

Yesterday we reported on how Audlem was successfully recycling its Christmas trees. Today we can give an update on progress with a composting facility on Longhill Lane. Mike Hill has been dealing with DEFRA in Bristol and Warrington, Cheshire County Council and Crewe & Nantwich Borough Council's recycling and legal departments to try and cut through the bureaucracy that goes with any project like this.

As the proposed site is on common land, it is likely that a certificate granting permission for use over 10 years will be needed, which can be renewed if the site operates correctly. A Waste Management Licence exemption is also required which means limiting the amount of compost on site to 5 tons. Whether planning permission comes before or after one or other of these certificates is granted is still being debated. DEFRA, however, are proving to be very helpful and have already said more communities should be trying to achieve the type of composting site Audlem wants, particularly as it is a 24 mile round journey to Pyms Lane.

Sarah Johnson is assembling a team of helpers for the site and compost will eventually be available at £2 a bag. It is hoped the site may be in operation by the vegetation growing season this year, bureaucracy permitting.

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