A plant that would use agricultural waste to create enough energy to heat around 7,000 homes could be built in Oxfordshire.
Acorn Bioenergy has written to Witney residents informing them of its plan to build an anaerobic digestion plant on land to the east of the town, adjacent to the A40.
Anaerobic digestion is a naturally occurring biological process where a mixture of microbes break down agricultural materials in an airtight tank to produce biogas.
It said: "Acorn Bioenergy is committed to providing renewable, carbon negative energy for the UK by unlocking the full potential of biomethane production."
It said it is consulting with the community and will hold a consultation event at South Leigh Village Hall where residents and the wider community can view the proposals, ask Acorn team members questions about the facility and leave feedback.
Its website says: "Once we have listened to feedback we will be looking to submit a planning application for the anaerobic digestion plant to West Oxfordshire district council in the coming months."
The proposed site is agricultural land north of South Leigh Road and south of the A40, approximately 1.2km east of Witney.
Acorn Bioenergy said it "prioritises sites with good access to farms that can provide high quality agricultural waste, good access to the strategic road network and ones that will have a minimal visual impact on neighbours".
The site area will be approximately 6.2 hectares in total.
It will be staffed between 7am and 7pm Monday to Sunday, except during peak harvest periods when working hours would be extended as necessary.
Farm tracks will be used for transport purposes where possible, said the company.
It adds: "The planting of wildflowers, new native trees and hedgerows will result in a significant biodiversity net gain on the site whilst minimising visual impact."
As the company processes agricultural waste, not food waste, there are no issues of odour.
"We will be strictly monitored to ensure minimal impact on local residents," it says.
The consultation event is at South Leigh Village Hall, Church End, South Leigh OX29 6UR on November 29 from 3.30pm to 7pm.
The full plans can be seen at eastwitneygreenpower.com
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This story was written by Miranda Norris, she joined the team in 2021 and covers news across Oxfordshire as well as news from Witney.
Get in touch with her by emailing: Miranda.Norris@newsquest.co.uk. Or find her on Twitter: @Mirandajnorris
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