Campaigners Celebrate Rejection of Great Bowden Energy Facility

Campaigners are celebrating after plans for an anaerobic digestion plant near Great Bowden were rejected following strong opposition.

More than 300 people objected to the proposals for a former mushroom farm on Welham Lane.

The facility would have processed chicken manure, maize and straw to produce gas as part of a green energy operation.

Leicestershire County Council refused planning permission at a meeting yesterday afternoon.

The plant was earmarked for the site of a former mushroom farm

Councillors voted unanimously to reject the plan over concerns about the scale and industrial appearance of the development and its impact on the rural character, tranquillity and visual qualities of the area.

Potential odour from the handling of manure was also raised, with councillors not satisfied that short-duration emissions could be adequately controlled.

Harborough councillor Phil Knowles spoke against the plans at the meeting:

Neil O’Brien by the proposed site

There were also concerns about increased vehicle movements and the impact on the amenity and attractiveness of Welham Lane and surrounding green spaces for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders.

The council said it was not satisfied that proposed road widening, signage and traffic management measures would adequately address those concerns.

The applicant, Great Bowden Green Energy, said the scheme would bring the former mushroom farm back into use while contributing to green energy production.

It said the facility would produce no smells and there would be a maximum of 52 lorry movements in and out of the site each day.

An Environmental Health Officer also said the potential for odour complaints was “not significant”.

Harborough MP Neil O’Brien also spoke against the proposal and praised residents’ who fought against the plan:

Ward councillor Buddy Anderson said: ““Earlier this week, I had written to Leicestershire County Council citing concerns the plans may directly conflict with core planning and environmental policies. I am glad my objections and those of my residents were heard at County Hall loud and clear .”