West Northamptonshire Council is preparing to approve a 10-hectare anaerobic digestion plant near Brackley that will convert agricultural and poultry waste into biomethane for the National Grid. The project, led by Acorn Bioenergy Ltd, marks a revised submission following a previous rejection in late 2023.
The facility is designed to process around 83,000 tonnes of feedstock annually, including straw, maize, grass, and dairy and poultry manure. Biogas generated onsite will be upgraded to biomethane and transported by tanker to central injection points. Operators project a 25-year lifespan for the plant before decommissioning and site restoration.
The proposal has prompted extensive public commentary, with more than 300 objections citing traffic, odour, and visual impact, alongside roughly 175 expressions of support. Local planning authorities note mitigations including reduced tank numbers, revised unit placements, and additional tree screening. Highways authorities have not flagged safety concerns for HGV movements.
Council planning officers recommend approval, citing the plant’s potential to deliver renewable energy and byproducts with commercial applications. Strategic planning committee members will make a final decision on 19 August.
