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Plans For New Biogas Plant In Somerset Resubmitted


A new biogas plant could be built in Somerset, after proposals were resubmitted to the planning inspectorate after previously being rejected by the council.

Resourceful Energy Anaerobic Limited (REAL) originally applied to Bath and North East Somerset Council to build a 92,000-tonne anaerobic digester (AD) at Queen Charlton Quarry near Keynsham.

However, after the local authority rejected the scheme, stating it could raise carbon dioxide emissions and increase traffic of HGVs in the area, REAL has appealed the decision, the Bristol Post revealed.

A public inquiry will now begin on October 11th, as REAL believes being able to process 92,000 tonnes of food waste to produce biogas that will create renewable electricity for the area will be hugely beneficial in the fight against climate change.

“Our plant will use AD to turn food waste and other organic material into clean, carbon-neutral renewable energy to power homes and businesses in Bath and North East Somerset,” a spokesperson for REAL stated.

Additionally, it has claimed the plant would save 6,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year and help the local authority reach its renewable energy goals. 

Despite this, the original plan received 847 objections, including concerns that the green belt landscape would be permanently altered; the noise and smell could potentially affect residents’ quality of life; there will be a “huge increase” in HGV traffic along the A37; and air pollution will be affected due to emissions of bioaerosols.

 

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