Biogas plant at ex-mushroom farm set for approval

More than 300 people have objected to the development at Marigold Farm

Proposals for a green energy scheme at a former mushroom farm near Market Harborough are set to be approved.

The proposed anaerobic digestion plant at Marigold Farm, off Welham Way, Great Bowden, would treat chicken manure, maize and straw to create biogas.

Developer Great Bowden Green Energy Ltd wants to pipe the gas to the nearby National Grid plant.

Planning officers at Leicestershire County Council have advised councillors to approve the scheme when they discuss it on Thursday.

A report to the council's development control board said more than 300 people had objected to the scheme.

Concerns raised include fears about odour from the treatment process as well as the impact of heavy goods vehicles importing manure and food stock to the site.

The applicant said the treatment process would create no smells, and there would be a maximum of 52 daily lorry movements in and out of the site during 30 peak days of the year - with 22 trips at other times.

It also said the lorries' loads would be covered to prevent spillage.

The county council report said the operator would require a permit from the Environment Agency, which would require pollution control measures.

If councillors approve the scheme, there would be conditions limiting the importation of manure and crops to 40,000 tonnes a year.

Deliveries would be restricted to 06:00 BST to 18:00 from Monday to Saturday with no lorry movements on Sundays, bank holidays or public holidays.