PLANS to build a waste digester were set to be approved by Hampshire County Council this morning.

The council’s regulatory committee was expected to consider the plans from Barfoots to build the anaerobic digester in Bushywarren Lane, off the A339, on the 7,000 acre Herriard Estate. The digester would be used to break down biodegradable material, such as food waste.

Protesters have voiced concerns against the proposals, which they claim will cause the A339 to become even more congested and industrialise the countryside if it goes ahead.

The campaign group, Waste Not Wanted, put up placards around Ellisfield as part of their protest, and spoke to drivers on their way to work in an attempt to encourage more people to object to the plans during the consultation period.

But council officers recommended the plans should be approved, because the plant “would not have an adverse impact on the amenity of local residents.”

The report prepared for this morning's meeting added: “Anaerobic digestion is a sustainable, environmentally sound waste management option which has benefits in producing renewable energy, this should be given significant weight.”

The digester would handle up to 29,200 tonnes of waste each year - 16,700 tonnes of which would be food waste from commercial sources and 12,500 tonnes of crop feedstock from the estate.

A new access onto Bushywarren Lane would be created, around 280 metres from the Veolia composting site entrance and 800 metres from the A339.

Various people and organisations were consulted about the plans, with no objections raised by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council ’s planning department, its environmental health officer, the highway authority and environment agency.

However, Ellisfield Parish Council did object to the plans for various reasons including the increase of HGV movements leading to increased fatalities along a stretch of road that is already notorious for accidents.

Preston Candover, Cliddesden and Nutley parish councils also objected, along with the campaign to protect rural England. The National Farmers’ Union “strongly” supported the development.

A Gazette reported attended the meeting today. The result will be in tomorrow's Gazette.