Agenda item

The Head of Development Management – Community Development Services sought determination of a planning application for an anaerobic digestion facility associated access, infrastructure, landscaping and engineering works at former Skipton on Swale Airfield, Sandhutton, Thirsk, YO7 4EG on behalf of Advanced Fuel Partners.

By way of an update, the planning officer advised that since publication of the report, a further 14 local objections and a follow up email from Sandhutton Parish Council had been received, none of which raised any issues not already addressed in the report. In terms of potential planning policy conflicts, the planning officer reiterated that the absence of a second sequential flood risk test was given limited weight due to the limited extent and nature of development within higher flood risk areas. The loss of 11.5Ha of best and most versatile agricultural land was also afforded limited weight because the proposed accompanying Soil Management Plan (SMP) to be secured under condition, would set out detailed measures for soil stripping, bunding and reinstatement, ensuring that soil resources were protected in accordance with Natural England’s guidance.

Bryony Cameron then addressed the committee objecting to the application.

Both Sebastian Speight (agent) and Robin Bosomworth (landowner) then spoke in support of the application, sharing the allotted five minutes.

During their consideration of the officer report and presentation, members’ discussion centred on the following matters:

• Visual impact and height of Anaerobic Digestion tanks. Members queried why the AD tanks, stated as 16.5m high, appeared lower in presentation images when compared with the 18.5m exhaust stack. It was clarified that the exhaust stack shown was correctly depicted at full height and that colour treatment and landscaping would reduce visual prominence.

• Combined Heat and Power (CHP) unit. Members sought clarity on the gas‑fired CHP system, its purpose, and whether it used on‑site biogas. The applicant explained that CHP would serve on‑site heat and electricity demand, powered by gas, with biogas upgraded and injected into the national high‑pressure pipeline via compressors.

• Transport arrangements and access routes. Members examined the movement of HGVs via Access Route 1 (avoiding the village) and Access Route 2 (through the village). Officers confirmed that maximum daily movements would be 88 (44 in/44 out), rising to 118 for up to 60 seasonal peak days per year. Routine routes would avoid the village, with other access points used only for National Grid maintenance.

• Pipeline pressure and connection. Members queried whether biomethane could be injected into a high‑pressure 70‑bar pipeline. The applicant confirmed National Gas Transmission had issued a connection offer, and appropriate compression and gas quality systems would be installed.

• Impact on Skipton‑on‑Swale bridge. Members raised concern about HGV volumes using an ageing bridge. Officers advised no specific objection had been raised by Highways but acknowledged that the matter had not been queried in detail. Officers would seek this assurance from Highways.

• Necessity of the facility and agricultural waste. Members noted the significant volume of manure generated locally by poultry and cattle farms and discussed environmental problems arising from spreading. Members considered anaerobic digestion a necessary and sustainable waste‑management solution.

• Operating hours for vehicle movements. Members debated whether proposed hours (07:00–19:00) should be reduced. Some Members supported restricting movements to 07:00–18:00; another Member requested more evidence before altering hours due to potential impacts on school traffic.

Members acknowledged that the proposed facility addressed a significant agricultural waste issue and that the applicant had provided credible information regarding pipeline connection, transport routing, and CHP demand. Concerns remained regarding traffic impacts and bridge capacity (which officers would check with Highways), with differing views on appropriate vehicle movement hours.

It was then moved and seconded to approve the recommendations in the officer report with an amendment to Condition 3 in respect of transport operational hours that Monday to Fridays the operation of delivery and mobile plant transport shall only take place between 07:00 – 18:00 hours.

On being put to the vote, the motion was carried.

The decision:

That planning permission be GRANTED subject to conditions listed in the report (with the amendment to Condition 3 as detailed above) and subject to completion of a Unilateral Undertaking with terms detailed in Table 1 of the report.

Voting record:

Seven in favour, four against and one abstention.

(In accordance with his declaration at Minute 135, Councillor Nick Brown left the room following his declaration of interest during the debate and determination of this item.)