Couple could become neighbours for anaerobic digester

A couple who could become neighbours to a controversial power plant claim they will have to live with its stink.

Peter and Valerie Lowe are objecting to the plans amid fears of a bad odour, also claiming it will become a "blot on the countryside".

Peter and Valerie Lowe live on Ash Road in Whitchurch, close to the proposed site for an anaerobic digester submitted by storage and distribution giant Grocontinental.

But the couple fear it could cause bad odour as well as potential dangers in the area and have said they are now trying to get as much support as possible.

Mrs Lowe, 67, said: "Our main concern is that it is going to be a plant that takes food waste and as far as we are aware it is likely to smell.

"It's also outside the development plan for Whitchurch and we are worried that this could set a precedent for more development along the bypass."

The digester is one of a number planned for Shropshire and Mid Wales as a way to dispose of waste and create power.

The plans detail that the plant, sat on land on Broughall Fields Farm opposite the Whitchurch Business Park, would use agricultural crops grown locally to generate electricity.

And with it being sat near a busy road into the town, the couple believe it could give a negative impression for the town.

Retired college lecturer, Mr Lowe, 66, said: "Whitchurch is a historic market town - the anaerobic digester is contrary to what the image is supposed to be.

"And we're still worried about the technology that is being used, because we don't have all the information yet.

"With the anaerobic digester at Harper Adams University being so close to the school, you would think it would have really good technology.

"But there have been real problems with it, it collapsed earlier in the year and that is a concern we have for this one."

But Grocontinental have said that the plans could help to deal with the town's lack of electricity, and managing director David Grocott said the green energy plans are "innovative" and "exciting".

The plans are available to view on the Shropshire Council website.