PLANS for a giant slurry lagoon near Yarnton have won the backing of planning officials.

Waste management company Agrivert wants to create a 172-metre by 60-metre basin to store waste from its £9m anaerobic digester, opened at the site in October.

The plant turns waste food into enough energy to power up to 4,500 homes and the lagoon will store the by-product to be used as fertiliser.

Officers at Oxfordshire County Council have recommended councillors approve the scheme if the company contributes £17,746 to create public footpaths and cycle routes.

Cherwell District Council’s planning committee told the county it was opposed to the plans, warning the proposed lagoon was too close to two sites of Special Scientific Interest – Pixey and Yarnton Meads and Cassington Meadows.

Residents also raised concerns the development could harm the green belt and local wildlife, as well as smell unpleasant.

Agrivert commercial director Harry Waters welcomed the recommendation. He said: “We are delighted and believe it the right decision. We understand why these concerns have been raised.

“Waste is always an emotive subject but often concerns come from a fear of the unknown.

“The officers’ decision has been made following investigations by experts and we believe that the councillors will be minded to adopt these recommendations.”

Councillors will vote on Monday.