Anaerobic Digester Gets Green Light To Accept Poultry Manure

An anaerobic digestion plant at Whitchurch in Shropshire has been granted planning consent to start accepting poultry manure as a feedstock to produce renewable electricity and heat.

Whitchurch Biogas has been granted the permission from Shropshire Council after obtaining a permit from the Environment Agency (EA) to allow it to handle agricultural and dairy waste and non-waste feedstocks.

The Council planning committee agreed to allow the variation to allow the addition of chicken manure and other agricultural wastes after hearing that the process would not cause an unacceptable level of odour.

In a statement to the planning committee, planning consultant Nick Williams of Berrys, acting for Whitchurch Biogas, said the EA had granted a permit for the site meaning it is their belief poultry manure can be accepted at the site without an unacceptable odour impact beyond the site.

He said the EA will regulate the site and ensure odour emissions are kept to acceptable levels.  

The poultry manure will come from a single source, and will be delivered straight to the plant daily without the need to be stored on site.

“Approval of the application will allow the site to positively contribute to the local area through the renewable energy and economic benefits it brings to the wider community,” Mr Williams said.

The anaerobic digester initially gained planning permission in 2014 and has been running for three years.

For help with a planning project contact Nick Williams at the Shrewsbury office of Berrys on 01743 267061 email nick.williams@berrys.uk.com.