Chicken poo plant plans rejected over traffic fears

Plans to build a power plant that would have transformed up to 91,000 tonnes of agricultural feedstock per year into fuel have been rejected by councillors.

Under the proposals, the anaerobic digestion plant in Cotswold Water Park between Gloucestershire and Wiltshire would have generated renewable biomethane and fertiliser for farmers.

But during a heated four-hour Wiltshire Council meeting, councillors rejected the plans over traffic and pollution concerns.

The applicant said there would be an average of 35 to 40 lorry movements a day. However, protesters said during harvest times – which coincide with the peak tourism months – it could be up to 160.

The plant would have generated about 10 million cubic metres (353,146,667 cubic ft) of renewable biomethane annually, as well as natural digestate fertiliser for use on farmland.

Local farmers filled the meeting's chamber in support of the plans.

Liz Webster, a farmer and founder of the UK-wide pressure group Save British Farming, said the facility would give struggling farmers "continuity of markets", adding the Cotswolds without farming would "cease to be the Cotswolds people come to enjoy".

The committee was told the application had received 1,850 objections and 62 letters of support, along with objections from 41 businesses that cater for a million visitors a year at the Cotswold Water Park, the Local Democracy Reporting Service reports.

But applicant Daniel Lambert told the meeting there had been a "concerted campaign led by a small number of people, attracting templated objections".

Matthew Jopp, principal highways development management officer at the council, said his department was concerned about the lack of a transport plan and safety implications for walkers, cyclists, and horse riders.

Chris Brautigam also expressed concerns about spills into nearby lakes.

"There is a risk to the water park from pollution.

"These are a jewel in Wiltshire's tourism crown. Even a small risk is a risk too far," he said.

Juliet Layton, deputy leader of Cotswold District Council, said: "The benefits are overstated, speculative and unquantified, while the harms are substantial, evidenced and enduring."

Councillor Stewart Palmén spoke in favour of the plans, telling the meeting that Wiltshire needs new industry.

"The applicant will be appealing this decision, and I believe they will win," he added.

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