Aren't you just opposed to renewable energy?

No. This campaign supports the UK's transition to net zero. The National Planning Policy Framework requires renewable energy to be located appropriately. A nationally designated wildlife landscape is not an appropriate site for an industrial-scale fermentation plant.

Won't this help local farmers and the rural economy?

Only a small number of landowners benefit from any one AD plant. The wider Cotswold Lakes economy — holiday parks, pubs, watersports, wildlife tourism — depends on the area's intact character and would be materially harmed.

Isn't digestate better than artificial fertiliser?

Digestate is useful when produced and applied responsibly, but it is not odourless or pollution-free. UK regulators have repeatedly prosecuted AD operators for digestate entering watercourses. The issue is location, not the technology.

The applicant says they've reduced the size of the plant. Doesn't that help?

Modest reductions in tank height and number do not resolve the fundamental concerns about landscape, traffic, water, amenity and cumulative impact. A smaller wrong-place development is still a wrong-place development.

Hasn't the Environment Agency already cleared this?

The Environment Agency issues Environmental Permits for emissions and waste handling — separate from planning permission. Land-use suitability is a matter for the planning authority.

What actually happens if the application is approved?

Construction would begin within a year and the plant would operate for 25 years, with continuous HGV movements, odour emissions, additional lighting, and a precedent for further such developments in the area.

Protect the Cotswold Lakes

We'll be back soon

This site is temporarily offline for maintenance. Thank you for your support.