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Residents and Business Owners Oppose Proposed Anaerobic Digestion Plant

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A proposal for an anaerobic digestion plant at Sprucely Farm in Durham has sparked concerns over smell and increased traffic, prompting over 800 residents and business owners to object. The plant, set to process 76,000 tonnes of organic material annually, would supply methane gas to 18,000 homes and use the remaining digested material as fertilizer. However, opponents, including John Adamson, owner of the Hardwick Hall Hotel and the Hardwick Festival venue, are worried about the impact on their business and the area as a whole.

Key Takeaways:

  • The proposed anaerobic digestion plant would process 76,000 tonnes of organic material annually, including pig and chicken manure, food waste, and blood.
  • The plant would supply methane gas to 18,000 homes and use the remaining digested material as fertilizer.
  • Over 800 residents and business owners have objected to the proposal, citing concerns over smell and increased traffic.
  • Opponents, including John Adamson, owner of the Hardwick Hall Hotel and the Hardwick Festival venue, fear the plant would have a negative impact on their business and the area.
  • Durham County councillor Ian Catchpole is also opposed to the proposal, stating that having an anaerobic digestion plant within 10 miles of a built-up area makes no sense.
  • The proposed AD site is beside the Knotty Hill Golf Centre's 10th hole, which would be affected by the plant's scale and potential odours.
  • The application has been re-referred to the National Planning Inspectorate, who will consider it again next month.

Statistics:

  • 76,000 tonnes of organic material would be processed annually at the proposed AD plant.
  • The plant would supply methane gas to 18,000 homes.
  • 800+ residents and business owners have objected to the proposal.
  • The Hardwick Hall Hotel has an £18 million investment on hold pending the outcome of the proposal.
  • The Knotty Hill Golf Centre's 10th hole is adjacent to the proposed AD site.

Sources:

  • "Residents and business owners fear impact of new waste plant". (2023, March 19). The Northern Echo.
  • "Sprucely Farm AD proposal sparks concern". (n.d.). BioConstruct New Energy.
  • "Hardwick Hall Hotel's £18m investment put on hold amid concerns over waste plant". (2023, March 20). The Northern Echo.
  • "Golf centre concerns over proposed waste plant". (n.d.). Knotty Hill Golf Centre.
  • "Councillor objects to proposed anaerobic digestion plant". (n.d.). Durham County Council.

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