Harborough District Council’s Leader and senior officers have voiced strong support for local residents and other objectors opposing the proposed biomass facility close to Great Bowden in England.
The planning application was formally considered at the Leicestershire County Council Development Control and Regulatory Board meeting on 7 August 2025.
Concerns were raised over a range of potential impacts, including increased traffic and road safety risks, emissions and odour, noise pollution, and ecological damage.
The district council recently acquired over 130 acres of land adjacent to the proposed site for a rewilding project aimed at nature restoration.
Council officials expressed worry that the biomass facility could significantly undermine these ecological efforts.
At the meeting, Cllr Phil Knowles, Leader of Harborough District Council, highlighted that the ecological consequences had not been adequately assessed, leading to the deferral of the application.
He stated: “We have listened carefully to the local community, and the message is clear - this development is not appropriate for this location. While the council supports the generation of green energy, it cannot come at any cost.
"It was important to speak up, and the strong opposition was evident at the Board meeting, where councillors from various parties, the local County Member Cllr Dr Sarah Hill, residents, the district council, the Member of Parliament and the parish council all voiced their concerns.”
He added: “The application was deferred due to potential conflicts with the Council’s and Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust’s ‘Rewilding Harborough’ initiative.
"This site could expand to over 500 acres as more partners pledge support, with the project already being described as potentially of national significance.”
Harborough District Council supports community opposition to biomass site
