Compost public inquiry under way

RHS Wisley has objected strongly to the plans for the composting plant

A public inquiry is getting under way into plans to build a composting site near the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) garden in Surrey.

Landowner Wharf Land Investments wants to build an enclosed composting plant at the disused Wisley Airfield.

The RHS has complained that its gardens are down-wind of the compost site and plant pathogens could be spread. Other objectors include local residents.

Wharf Land said it would not be appropriate to comment at this time.

Chimney stacks

The application for the composting building to process green, kitchen and animal waste was submitted to Surrey County Council in July 2008 and was turned down.

The building includes 65ft (20m) high five chimney stacks to disperse treated air which would be visible from surrounding viewpoints.

Campaigners against the proposal include Wisley Airfield Action Group, which will be represented by a barrister at the inquiry.

Natural England has also objected, along with the RHS which called on its members to submit protest letters.

The public inquiry, which is being held at Surrey County Council's HQ in Kingston, is scheduled to last up to 10 days.