PLANS to build a new power-producing anaerobic digestion unit in Lincolnshire have been given the green light.

A proposal to construct the necessary tanks, a technical house, barns and a roadway upgrade off Nocton Fen Lane in Nocton received unanimous support from county council planners.

Robert Beck, owner of Nocton Farms, said at a meeting that the unit, a technological progression in farming methods, would make local farming more competitive on an international scale.

Mr Beck, originally from Denmark, said: "I bought this land three years ago.

"The farm is one of the biggest sites I have seen in the UK and I have invested a lot since we bought it.

"The investment we now want to make is to ensure the farm has a future economically and brings new business into the area."

Anaerobic digestion is a process that allows organic materials to be broken down by bacteria in the absence of oxygen to create both heat and electricity.

At the unit, plants and crop debris such as maize, grass silage, sugar beet toppings and processed sugar beet pulp will be utilised.

The process produces biogas, mainly methane and carbon dioxide, which can then be used to create electricity and heat.

Surplus electricity will be fed back into the National Grid. And leftover treated material will be used as a fertiliser and soil conditioner.

Some of the funding for this project will come from Government grants.

Mr Beck said: "The Government has made this possible for UK farmers and now I think it's up to UK farmers and local authorities so England has the opportunity to compete with farmers in the rest of Europe."

Concerns that have previously been raised about the project have included increased transportation and odour issues.

Mr Beck confirmed that steps were being taken to keep transport at the site to a minimum.

He said: "We will build the biogas units as effectively as possible with as little disturbance as we can."

Councillor Neil Cooper said: "I entirely support this – it's the type of thing we should be moving towards.

"It's an ideal location as it is in the middle of nowhere with a prevailing wind so we can see where possible odours may go."

The nearest residents live in Wasps Nest, a small village more than one kilometre from the site.

However, a public footpath runs alongside where the units will be built.

Councillor Ronald Hills, vice- chairman of the committee, said: "It looks like the only people who could logically complain are ramblers."