The BLOCK Biogas Action Group has been opposed to the notion of an industrial biogas plant, in 10 hectares of open countryside near to Grantham, ever since the idea was first raised in 2023.
But BLOCK’s opposition has become more entrenched in recent days because of the applicant’s use of online and print media to spread the incorrect message that the application is ‘likely’ to be approved.
A BLOCK spokeswoman said, “We understand that busy reporters and journalists have to take much information they’re given on trust and we have no argument with that.
“However, we find it odd that Future Biogas, who wholly owns Ironstone Energy, and who has made at least 13 planning applications for similar plants in recent years, should suggest they know the ‘likely’ outcome of the Planning Committee Meeting.
“The truth is that, yes, there is a Planning Officer’s recommendation to the Committee to grant permission and the Committee will give that careful consideration.
“However, that is only one thing that the Committee will take into account. Other factors include a forthcoming site visit; the application itself, which is missing many key documents; local and national planning policy; as well as whether the benefits of a large scale industry energy plant in the area outweigh the disadvantages. We say not, including because none of this energy will be provided to local people. However, unlike Future Biogas, we do not think that one factor ‘trumps’ all the others.
“It is for our representatives on the Committee to consider all the factors, as well as to give each one appropriate weight. In the meantime, nothing is either likely or unlikely, and intimating that it is so, could undermine the democratic process.”
The revised date for considering the application is later this month at 1pm, Thursday 23 January.
You can find out more about this in the meantime on SKDC’s website as well as the BLOCK FaceBook page.
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