ACTION to stop foul smells emanating from a green energy scheme is being demanded by nearby residents.

People have been complaining of the stench from an anaerobic digester, based on the Thomas Swan site on Rotary Way in Consett, which went live two years ago.

Concerns were raised before the facility, which produces energy by processing silage and harnessing the by-products, was given planning approval in 2013.

Council officers told members of the planning committee no odours would be emitted as only natural materials would be used.

But residents’ worst fears have been realised and they are locked in a long running battle to stop the smell affecting their quality of life.

Councillor Owen Temple, who represents the area on Durham County Council, said: “After a period of respite where the situation appeared much better for a month or two the residents have been enduring new nuisance. I share their concerns because I too feel conned by what we were told by the then operators, and the report of the planning department, both of which were totally misleading.”

Residents recently met with North-West Durham MP Laura Pidcock who has written to Generation X, of the Ingenious Group, the company which runs the facility.

She said: “The smell emanating from the plant is having a serious effect on environmental, physical health and mental health for constituents living and working within the vicinity of the plant.

“Members of my team have visited the site to talk to residents and have attested to the extent of the smell. Representations have also been received from residents within the Consett area and those within the vicinity of the plant state that, at times it is so strong that it is affecting their use of their properties and gardens.”

Joanne Waller, Durham County Council’s head of environment, health and consumer protection, said ‘a number’ of complaints had been received in recent months and the authority is looking at whether it is creating a statutory nuisance.

She said: “We will continue to liaise with complainants, the company and local members as our investigations progress.”

A Generation X spokesman said the company was aware of complaints and was engaging with the environmental health office, local councillors and resident’s committee representatives.

She said: “We continue to maintain an ‘access all areas’ policy with all environmental protection officers.

“We remain sympathetic to the inconvenience caused for local residents.”