Plans for anaerobic digestion plant approved

Plans for an anaerobic digestion plant in Lincolnshire have been approved.

Future Biogas applied to East Lindsey District Council to build the facility, alongside an office, access and associated infrastructure, on land west of the B1202 near Wragby.

Members of the council's planning committee approved the application, subject to conditions, at a meeting on Thursday.

According to the company, the plant would be capable of producing 150 gigawatt hours of biomethane annually – enough to power 35,000 homes.

Anaerobic digestion generates energy by breaking down organic matter, creating biogas which can be pumped into the national gas grid.

Lorries would be used to transport a variety of locally farmed crops to the anaerobic digester.

Philipp Lukas, chief executive of Future Biogas, said: "We already work with 400 farmers across the east of England and our reputation, both locally and nationally, is very high among our farming communities and our local communities at our existing plants.

"I think this represents an opportunity for local farmers to transition to more regenerative and sustainable practices," he added.

Councillor Richard Cunnington said, while he supported the application, he was concerned about the timings that lorries were allowed to enter the site - up until 21:00.

"Residents deserve peace and quiet. They deserve to be able to have a sit out in their garden with a BBQ at this time of night."

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Andrew Booth, development manager lead officer at the council, said the conditions had been carefully considered by the environmental health team and were an "appropriate and reasonable balance".

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