Energy plant plans withdrawn after 99 objections

A plan to create a plant to convert green waste has been withdrawn, after attracting 99 objections from officials and the public.

Soil company Onnu sought permission to create the green hub on the site of a former waste transfer station in Marlbrook, near Leominster.

It said it would upcycle about 25,000 tonnes of waste wood a year into gases and biochar, a carbon-rich activated charcoal.

The gases were then to be burned to produce energy and to generate electricity for two adjacent data centres.

Following a public meeting last July, Hope under Dinmore and Newton Group Parish Council, said it was alarmed at the impact on road safety and air quality.

The parish council also thought the plant would be fuelled "by chicken manure maize" once the current glut of wood from dead or diseased ash trees was consumed – the former likely to give off "obnoxious" smells.

"As the plant will be sited a short distance from the river Lugg, we would expect a detailed analysis of water run-off and hazard containment strategies," it added.

The Environment Agency initially objected to the application as not having demonstrated that the risks of water pollution would be adequately dealt with. But it removed its objection following new management plans from Onnu.

The nearby Eye Veterinary Clinic meanwhile said the proposal would "have a very negative impact on our business, the adjacent Newton Court, local residents and wildlife".

Herefordshire Council confirmed on Monday that the planning application had been withdrawn.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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