Five councils object to plans for gas and fertiliser plant in Northamptonshire

Raw Biogas Ltd wants to build the anaerobic digestion facility at Wormslade Farm, off Clipston Road in Kelmarsh that would produce methane direct to the National Grid by processing crops and manure.

Taking nine months to build, it would see several buildings erected, including a pair of eight metre-tall digester tanks.

Daventry District Council has objected on the basis that the benefits do not outweigh the harm, which it says includes “the loss of open countryside, impact on the landscape, smells, noise and traffic”.

The council’s view chimes with that of people living in Clipston as well as nearby villages of Great Oxendon, Arthingworth and Braybrooke.

Part of the objections relate to 10,000 extra vehicle movements that are predicted in and out of the farm as a result.

But a number of people objected to the potential smell.

Clipston Parish Council said: “Leaks from the development into the surrounding countryside could cause major environmental problems.”

Great Oxendon Council added: “Proposals will adversely affect the amenities of the area through odour.”

However, noting that any spillages would be cleaned up “as soon as possible”, officers at Northamptonshire County Council admitted they were in favour of the plan.

It said: “Noise, dust odour and lighting have been assessed and it is considered that the development would not tcause any disturbance whicgh would justify refusal.”

The matter will be discussed by councillors at County Hall on Tuesday.