An anaerobic digestion plant that recovers renewable biomethane from agricultural waste is set to be built on the site of an old North Yorkshire airfield.
North Yorkshire Council councillors will consider an application for the facility on land at the former Skipton-on-Swale Airfield, near Thirsk, next week.
The plant would process up to 144,000 tonnes of agricultural waste per year to generate renewable biomethane, recover heat, produce nutrient-rich digestate, and capture carbon dioxide.
The application, submitted by Advanced Fuel Partners, has been recommended for approval by planning officers.
A report for councillors states: “The application site is well-located within a former RAF airfield, providing an efficient location close to local sources of agricultural feedstock, served by existing road infrastructure, minimising transportation impacts and providing co-locational benefits.
“The development would support the local agricultural economy, promote sustainable waste management, reduce reliance on fossil fuels and provide sustainable alternatives to synthetic fertilisers and chemical products, which would lead to contributions to net zero targets.”
The plant would operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, but deliveries would be limited to between 7am and 7pm on weekdays and 7am and 1pm on Saturdays.
The average number of HGV movements would be 95 per day (48 in and 48 out), rising to 118 per day at peak periods.
Access to the site would be from the A167 to the east, using the existing former airfield road.
The junction with the A167 would be widened to improve visibility.
The plans have been criticised by Sandhutton Parish Council, which raised concerns about the potential impact on local residents from HGVs visiting the site, from light pollution and the operating hours.
The council also sought more information on how the site would be monitored for compliance with planning rules.
Nine local residents have submitted objections, with concerns including HGV movements, noise and dust
The application will be discussed at the strategic planning committee meeting next Tuesday (February 10).
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