Residents of Glentham, a small village in Lincolnshire, are raising alarm over new plans for a biogas plant that could result in a staggering 40,000 lorries, tankers, and tractors rumbling through their community each year. According to a report by Lincolnshire Live, the proposed facility is set to be located off Cross Lane, just a stone's throw from an existing biogas site that has already taken a toll on local roads.
The planning documents suggest that traffic could peak at 333 heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) daily during the summer months. This has sparked significant concern among villagers, who describe Glentham as the “most inappropriate location possible” for such an industrial development. Jeff Summers, a former leader of West Lindsey District Council and a local resident, voiced his frustrations, noting that the existing site has already left roads in a “disgraceful state.” He worries about the potential for further damage should the new plant be approved.
Summers expressed his concerns, stating, “The roads just aren’t wide enough to handle them. The first site has generated more traffic than we were told during the 12 months it’s been open, and the new site will be even bigger.” He pointed to severe damage on Barff Lane as evidence of the impact this increased traffic has already had on the area.
Local resident Ray Postolowsky also shared his concerns, recounting incidents where cars have been damaged after encountering HGVs on the narrow roads. He highlighted safety issues, particularly at the junction where Cross Lane meets the A631, noting that the risks posed by large vehicles can lead to dangerous situations for drivers.
The application has drawn opposition from local parish councils and even Mayor Dame Andrea Jenkyns, reflecting the community's growing unease. VIDA Bioenergy Ltd, the company behind the new biogas plant, has acknowledged the concerns raised by residents. A spokesperson stated that while they recognize the worries about HGV movements, they are committed to working with the community to address these issues. They emphasized that the peak traffic figure of 333 vehicles per day would only occur during harvest season and that the overall annual traffic would be significantly lower.
As discussions continue, the community remains vigilant about the potential impact of this new development on their village. With the stakes high, residents are keen to ensure that their voices are heard in the planning process.
As the village grapples with these proposals, what do you think should be done to balance renewable energy needs with community safety and road conditions?