Fresh scrutiny of farm waste plants plotted

Clearer and more robust rules sought

Amplified scrutiny of farm waste plants is being eyed by a Devon council amid ongoing investigations into one site.

A motion to create clearer and more robust rules for anaerobic digestion plants has been passed by Mid Devon District Council as anger from residents about them grows.

Beyond the disquiet from some who live close to such plants, the council confirmed it did have a live investigation into an anaerobic digestion (AD) operation, but that “unless and until any notices are served we cannot provide any further information”.

AD plants work by breaking down animal and food waste to produce biogas and fertiliser. This is done in a sealed, oxygen-free tank.

The latest available data on the Official Information Portal on Anaerobic Digestion shows that in 2023, Devon had 13 AD plants across the county.

The proposal for increased oversight of AD plants in Mid Devon was made by Green Party member Gill Westcott (Canonsleigh), and it received wide support from fellow councillors.

“We are aware of complaints about heavy traffic from industrial-scale AD plants,” Cllr Westcott said.

“AD plants provide a useful process as they transform farm waste and reduce methane, creating biogas for electricity or heat and digestate as crop fertiliser, but a study in France found that out of 30 such plants, two-thirds made a net increase in greenhouse gas emissions compared to just putting the plant waste directly on fields.”

She added that her motion was designed to give the council “more leverage” when it is faced for any new applications for AD plants, as well as proposals to increase the output at existing sites.

Councillor Beckett Fish (Liberal Democrat, Tiverton Cranmore), who chairs the council’s planning, environment and sustainability policy development group, supported the motion.

“It would be good to have a look at this as there is a great deal of member interest and a lot of information to consider.

“It would be helpful to do this before we return to full council with a comprehensive motion.”

Councillor Natasha Bradshaw (Liberal Democrat, Upper Culm), the cabinet member for climate and environment, also added her support.

“As a ward member in a rural district we see the wider impact of this on crop production and loss of biodiversity,” she said.

“As well as the motion for planning measures and guidance to scrutinise future applications, I would also like the policy development group to consider a district-wide audit of existing AD plants and their existing contribution to net zero targets.

“And I think that needs to factor in not just traffic and the carbon footprint, but the wider impacts on biodiversity.”

There are no current enforcement notices served upon operators of AD plants in Mid Devon. We do have a live investigation into an AD operation, however unless and until any notices are served we cannot provide any further information regarding the allegation or investigation.