A new anaerobic digestion plant capable of processing over 100,000 tonnes of food waste annually has received planning consent from Lincolnshire County Council, despite reservations from some committee members.
The facility, proposed by Naylors Farms on Surfleet Bank around three miles from Spalding, will use anaerobic digestion to generate renewable gas and electricity, as well as producing liquid carbon dioxide and fertiliser for local agricultural use. Its developers say it will prevent approximately 25,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions each year.
A spokesperson for the applicant argued the project would complement rather than compete with local farming, noting that the Spalding area's proximity to the food industry made it well suited to the scheme. The digestion technology involved was described as established and widely proven.
Some councillors expressed support for the environmental and agricultural benefits, with one noting that domestic fertiliser production would reduce dependence on imports. Others, however, raised concerns about the long-term commercial viability of the project and the visual impact of structures reaching 16 metres on the flat Lincolnshire landscape. Questions were also asked about whether an existing industrial site might have been a more appropriate location.
Planning officers noted that the principle of anaerobic digestion facilities in the Lincolnshire countryside had already been established through earlier decisions, limiting the grounds on which the application could be refused.
A separate planning application for a biogas plant in Anwick, near Sleaford, was withdrawn from the same meeting's agenda after officers recommended refusal on grounds of location and potential odour impacts on nearby residents.
Lincolnshire approves major biogas facility near Spalding
