A new biogas facility designed to convert poultry and livestock manure into renewable energy has been given the green light by West Northamptonshire Council in England.
The Evenley site, near Brackley, is expected to generate enough electricity to power around 8,000 homes while providing farmers with an additional income stream.
Despite the potential benefits, the project has sparked concern among local residents over traffic, odours, and the impact on the countryside.
The council had previously rejected a similar plan in 2023, citing insufficient information.
At a recent planning meeting, officials spent two hours reviewing the updated proposal before granting approval.
Alister Veitch, business development manager at Acorn Bioenergy, emphasised that the facility had been carefully designed to minimise odours.
"We've modelled the system extensively and worked with air quality experts. The plant is designed to be a good neighbour," he said.
The plant will use a mixture of straw, maize, grass, and poultry and dairy manure, which will be processed in anaerobic digesters to produce biogas.
This will then be converted into biomethane and transported via tanker for use in the National Grid.
Soil scientist Anna Becvar, who advised on the project, highlighted improvements over the 2022 plan.
"The updated design incorporates the latest technology and includes additional measures to contain and reduce odours before air is released," she explained.
However, opposition remains strong.
Cathy Ellis, chair of Evenley Parish Council, said the community had submitted nearly 1,000 objections. "You wouldn't want an industrial plant like this next to your home," she said.
Nevertheless, the 10.41-hectare (25.7-acre) facility is now set to move forward.
Brackley biogas plant gets go-ahead to turn chicken waste into energy
