New biogas facility planned for former airfield

Plans to use a former airfield to build a biodegradable energy facility that turns agricultural waste into electricity have been recommended for approval.

Proposals for the anaerobic digestion plant at the former Skipton-on-Swale Airfield, near Thirsk, have been submitted by Advanced Fuel Partners.

The company said the plant would process up to 144,000 tonnes of agricultural waste a year, to generate renewable biomethane and capture carbon dioxide.

Nine local residents have objected to the scheme, which is recommended for approval by North Yorkshire Council planners, with councillors due to scrutinise the application on10 February.

A report to be seen by councillors stated the proposed site was "well-located within a former RAF airfield, close to local sources of agricultural feedstock and served by existing road infrastructure".

Advanced Fuel Partners said the development would "support the local agricultural economy, promote sustainable waste management and provide sustainable alternatives to synthetic fertilisers", which would lead to contributions to net zero targets.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the plans had been criticised by Sandhutton Parish Council, which raised concerns about the potential impact on local residents from HGVs visiting the site.

The company said the 24-hour-a-day facility would see an average of 95 HGV movements each day, rising to 118 a day at busy periods.

Access to the site would be from the A167, using the existing former airfield road, with the A167 junction widened to improve visibility, the firm added.

Nine local residents have also lodged objections to the scheme with concerns over HGV movements as well as noise, dust, light pollution and the proposed operating hours.

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