Scathing view of mushroom farm

Press, 14 December 1977, Page 2

Scathing view of mushroom farm

The activities of Meadow Mushrooms, Ltd, at Prebbieton have been described by the No 2 Town and Country Planning Appeal Board as noxious, and incompatible with nearby residential development. Dismissing an application by the company to extend its business, the chairman of the board (Mr W. J. M. Treadwell. S.M.) said that the mushroom farm was largely incompatible with the adjoining residential area “Any development proposals must therefore be designed to create the maximum possible improvement to an existing noxious situation," he said The board was “not enamoured” of the company’s past performance, and was concerned that stringent

conditions be imposed for the protection of the neighbourhood. After hearing submissions from 164 Prebbleton residents, and inspecting the mushroom farm, the board was convinced that the residents were justified in their I complaints of smell, flies, and contamination of aquifers. Regarding the aquifers. Mr Treadwell said: “The comipany appears little concerned and its general attitude seems to be based on a philosophy that it will do ,what it is told, when and if some responsible authority [finds out what it is in fact doing.” Commenting on the use of methyl bromide to sterilise i compost, Mr Treadwell said [there was no question that many residents feared the

gas and associated illness with its presence. “Fear of exposure to a cu-! mulative poison, whether I physical damage is, or is not caused thereby, is a very I real factor in relation to! mental health and well-1 being,” he said. Evidence given on steam; fumigation, as an alternative to methyl bromide, indicated i that this was an acceptable I alternative process. The board said was surprised at the lack of positive action so far by the authorities responsible for health, clean air, fumigation processes, and the protection of underground water, near the mushroom farm. It hoped that some action would be taken on the evidence presented at the hearing, should the company continue on the site without expansion.