Local campaigners have branded a proposed biogas plant near Sleaford as a ‘threat to the environment’. The plant, which has been under consideration for over a year, would process an estimated 120,000 tonnes of chicken waste and spent feedstock annually, converting it into renewable gas. The site is planned to be located near Anwick village, adjacent to the Moy Park poultry factory.
An action group against the new plant has already assembled, with a petition garnering over 500 signatures so far. Among the concerns raised by residents are increased traffic, unpleasant odours, and potential environmental damage. However, the developer, StreamBioenergy UK, refutes these claims, stating the plant would utilise anaerobic digestion to break down organic matter, thereby producing biogas for the national grid.
A Change.org petition argues that the project neglects significant environmental concerns and could negatively impact the UK’s land, water, and air quality. Moreover, it raises fears about the wellbeing of Anwick inhabitants due to potential traffic congestion, noise, and disruption from construction and waste transportation.
In response, StreamBioenergy contends that anaerobic digestion is a natural process capable of creating renewable energy from waste products. The developers have alleged that the plant’s design would minimise potential impacts and that it would be subject to stringent regulation. They also assure that any resultant smells and noise would be tightly controlled and that the plant would not mar the landscape.
Originally, the developer had proposed processing 200,000 tonnes of waste annually, but this figure was reduced following community feedback. The plans are currently under review by Lincolnshire County Council and are open for public comment on its website.
This story was adapted by The Lincoln Post from original reporting by www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk.
