New green energy plant could fuel 5,200 homes

The facility, if approved, would be set back from Nottingham Lane on land at Vale View Farm

A new renewable power facility in Leicestershire could fuel 5,200 homes, an energy company has said.

Ixora Energy wants to develop an anaerobic digestion plant on land at Vale View Farm off Nottingham Lane, Old Dalby, near Melton Mowbray.

The firm is now consulting residents on the plans.

Managing director, Darren Stockley, said the plant would be "instrumental" in tackling the district's future energy challenges.

If built, the site would pay for waste from farming in the area, such as manure and unused crops, and convert the material into renewable gas to provide green energy and natural fertiliser.

Darren Stockley, operations managing director at Ixora Energy, said: “This is a tried and tested way of decarbonising our energy supply.

"Our Nottingham Lane proposal will have the dual benefit of reducing carbon emissions by both avoiding methane being released if the material was spread to land untreated and in the energy generation process itself.

“We’re proud to be bringing forward considered new proposals near Old Dalby and hope people get involved in our early consultation.”

Ahead of submitting a planning application to Melton Borough Council, the firm held a public drop-in event at Old Dalby Village Hall on Tuesday.

The company expects to submit a formal application later this year.

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