AN applicant who wants to build a plant to turn cow manure into energy has sought to allay fears of possible smell and noise issues.

Proposals to build a 500kw anaerobic digestion scheme at JFS Hope House Farm Biogas, near Elstob Lane, Mordon, near Sedgefield, County Durham, have been lodged.

Durham County Council’s County Planning Committee is to decide on the scheme for land south of Hope House Farm.

The land currently is part of a mixed arable and dairy farm which extends to 1,700 acres.

It is planned to use the manure of the farm’s existing 660 cattle and grass silage. The plant would create energy by breaking down the material to release gas that could drive a generator.

The facility would process some 16,000 tonnes of organic matter per year consisting of an estimated 10,000 tonnes of manure and 6,000 tonnes of silage.

Some residents are concerned about smells, manure being stored close to homes, noise, landscaping and whether the farm will be able to produce enough raw material.

Mordon Parish Council state would like residents to be protected from noise, odour and heavy traffic and seek assurances that feedstocks are only sourced from the applicant’s farm.

Sedgefield Town Council has no objection but would like details in relation to the potential for gas build up and emissions which could affect the town

The applicant says the site is a considerable distance from the nearest residential property and that it will benefit the rural economy.

Only manure sourced from the farm will be used and the scheme fits in with the Government’s commitment to make energy from non-carbon sources.

The plan is recommended for approval and it is to be discussed at the planning committee on Tuesday. (March 3)