By Jenni DixonTHE final phase of Adnams Brewery's £3million expansion programme has found favour with planning officers, despite concerns from a preservation society.

By Jenni Dixon

THE final phase of Adnams Brewery's £3million expansion programme has found favour with planning officers, despite concerns from a preservation society.

Waveney District Council officers have recommended plans be approved for the installation of two grain silos, a chilled water tank, an energy recovery storage tank and external alterations to its building at East Green, Southwold.

It follows the installation of seven new fermentation vessels and two hot-water brewing tanks in the old bottling hall in the town's Victoria Street last month, freeing up space in the main brewery for a new brew steam.

A statement from the brewery said: “This development is a major investment for the company and demonstrates Adnams' commitment to its long-term position as a leading employer and wealth generator in Southwold and the surrounding area.

“The modernisation of the brewery is imperative as much of the equipment is at the end of its working life and replacement is essential for continued operations plus the new brew steam will be more energy efficient, reduce air and noise emission and be considerably more environmentally friendly.

“If the company is to continue to success in the very competitive brewing market, the modernisation of the brewing plant is absolutely essential.”

But the Reydon and Southwold Society said the brewery was now too big for the genteel resort and too much traffic and noise was generated by the company, which could destroy the town's tourist trade.

A statement from the society said: “Adnams has outgrown this small town, traffic damages homes, there is continuous noise day and night and intensification risks destroying tourism.”

Two nearby residents have also voiced their concerns over the large lorries moving about around East Green and the noise created by the brewery.

Although council planning officers said the main visible impact would come from the two silos, which would be seen from Church Street and other parts of the town, they advised members of the rural development committee to approve the plans at a meeting on March 2.

A report said: “The decision has been taken in principal to support the continued existence of Adnams in Southwold, this is the final phase of development to allow this to happen.

“Residents concerns are appreciated, but the fundamental issue of intensification of the use is outside this application.”

jenni.dixon@eadt.co.uk