Decision on manure and chicken poo plant delayed

The site could process tonnes of chicken waste to make gas

A decision on a controversial biogas plant which would convert manure into energy has been delayed, despite villagers complaining of "life-changing uncertainty".

The proposed plant at Evenley, near Brackley, Northamptonshire, would generate power for 8,000 homes and provide an income for farmers, but residents have said they are worried about traffic, odours and spoiling the countryside.

West Northamptonshire Council, which rejected a previous plan in 2023, were advised to approve the new project but decided they needed more information.

Jon Williams, whose property neighbours the site, called on them to turn it down, and added: "The thought of this being next to us is terrifying."

"My family and neighbours have suffered over three years of life-changing uncertainty from this green-washing, explodable factory built metres from our homes," he added.

Developers Acorn Bioenergy Ltd would put feedstock - made up of straw, maize, grass and poultry and dairy manure - in anaerobic digestors to create biogas.

Once transformed into biomethane, it would be removed by tanker for use in the National Grid.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the revised plans for the 10.41-hectare (25.7-acre) fields, to the west of the A43, have received 306 letters of objection and 176 in favour.

Parish council chairwoman Cathy Ellis said the facility's size and dominance of the landscape had not changed enough in the altered application, which "makes a mockery" of the council's previous refusal.

'Back British farming'

Speaking in its favour, farmer Andrew Thompson said the facility would generate a steady income through the sale of crops for feedstock and a natural fertiliser as part of the digestion process.

He told members of the planning committee that diversification of farmland was essential to stay afloat and asked them to support the scheme to "back British farming".

Daniel Lambert, of Acorn Bioenergy, reiterated the message and claimed the plant would provide farmers with a guaranteed income for the 25 years it would be in operation.

"This is a time when British farmers need our help," he added.

"We can deliver all these benefits while making sure there is no unacceptable impact on nearby communities," he said.

After hearing representations from several local residents, farmers, councillors and MPs, the planning committee voted to delay their decision.

Members asked to visit a biogas plant to see first-hand its impact on neighbouring communities and for further clarity on health and safety concerns.