There is a very interesting policy called 'the Merton Policy', concerning the Protection of the Environment . This is to do with renewable energy sources, not just AD plants, but these are mentioned. The main point being that planners are not permitted to 'develop' where these would impact on the Local Environment and Residential Developments without following the Council requirements.
Have a look at the Policy www.merton.gov.uk/udpprotectionenv.pdf for the detail. The following Sections look particularly relevant:
PE.1: Air Quality (proposed developments that have a significantly adverse effect on Air Quality will not be permitted - the Council will require ....)
PE.2: Pollution and Amenity (proposed developments that have a significantly adverse effect on Nearby Occupiers or on the Amenity of the Locality by Noise and Disturbance or Air Pollution or Adverse Discharge onto the Land or into the water Systems will not be permitted - the Council will require ....)
PE.6: Water Quality (proposed developments that would lead to Pollution of Groundwater or Surface Water by reason of their Waste Water Discharge or Surface Water will not be permitted - the Council will ....)
PE.10: Waste Facilities (proposed Applications for Waste Management Facilities, such as for the Storage or Waste or Refuse, Waste Treatment and Reprocessing Plants including Concrete crushers, Incineration Plants and Waste Transfer/Bulk Reducing Stations will not be permitted outside the designated Industrial Areas - the Council will ....)
