A stink is brewing over plans for a biogas plant in Carnoustie.
Angus Council has been approached over Clova Renewables’ plans for a 1.5-hectare anaerobic digester on the edge of the town.
But residents fear the move will drive homeowners and visitors away due to a “Panbride pong” despite assurances from those behind the scheme that odour fears are pie in the sky.
The plant is intended to power and heat the nascent Carlogie Business Park on the north side of town.
Clova, a cooperative of farmers, has said its Westhaven Road site will also produce methane for the local gas grid, as well as high-nutrient fertiliser as a by-product.
Resident George McAteer said he hopes there will be no return of the “Barry smell” which some residents found pervasive in town and was caused by slurry spreading.
He said: “This plant is very close to existing housing and according to my research can possibly cause an obnoxious odour.”
The site would generate up to 500kW in CHP, four million cubic metres of biomethane enough to service 3,000 homes and 24,000 tonnes of nutrient fertiliser every year.
This would be produced by feeding in 12,000 tonnes each of corn and rye silage, and 14,000 tonnes of sugar beet every year.
More than 20 nearby residents have objected to the planning application.
Alexander Thornton said: “There are many reports of foul smells from anaerobic digestive plants at home and abroad.
“I don’t know whether these stories are fact or anecdotal but I am concerned that if such stories are true and the Carnoustie plant produces similar smells, it could take us back 30 years or so to the ‘Barry smell’.”
A Carlogie business park spokesman said: “The proposal for an AD/CHP development certainly raises issues that understandably require further explanation and understanding.
“We believe that the odour concerns are misplaced. The gas production process is an entirely closed system.
“All odour issues highlighted to date by objectors and relating to AD/CHP plants are derived from food/domestic/industrial waste.
“The Carlogie AD application is for energy crops only. Operating it with food waste would be impossible.”
The applicants said visual impact concerns are being discussed with planners, adding that the plant would be less visually intrusive than agricultural sheds.
The spokesman added: “In addition to inward investment, we are aware of a number of local businesses anxious to relocate out of Carnoustie into modern and spacious premises.
“An AD plant has the potential to deliver savings, to occupants of the business park, of up to £1 million per annum by way of reduced heat and electricity operating costs.
“We believe local businesses are likely to find this attractive.