Anaerobic digestion facility at Former Skipton on Swale Airfield, Sandhutton, Thirsk

What was proposed

An anaerobic digestion facility was proposed with associated access, infrastructure, landscaping and engineering works.

“NY/2025/0048/ENV Proposed anaerobic digestion facility associated access, infrastructure, landscaping and engineering works at former Skipton on Swale Airfield, Sandhutton, Thirsk, YO7 4EG on behalf of Advanced Fuel Partners…”

“The Head of Development Management – Community Development Services sought determination of a planning application for an anaerobic digestion facility associated access, infrastructure, landscaping and engineering works at former Skipton on Swale Airfield, Sandhutton, Thirsk, YO7 4EG on behalf of Advanced Fuel Partners.”

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Public views

Fourteen further local objections and a follow-up parish council email were received, raising no issues not already addressed.

“By way of an update, the planning officer advised that since publication of the report, a further 14 local objections and a follow up email from Sandhutton Parish Council had been received, none of which raised any issues not already addressed in the report.”

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Who spoke

A local objector spoke against the application, while the agent and landowner spoke in support.

The committee’s discussion

Members discussed the tanks’ visual impact, CHP, traffic routes, pipeline connection, bridge capacity, waste management and vehicle hours.

“Operating hours for vehicle movements. Members debated whether proposed hours (07:00–19:00) should be reduced. Some Members supported restricting movements to 07:00–18:00; another Member requested more evidence before altering hours due to potential impacts on school traffic.”

“Members acknowledged that the proposed facility addressed a significant agricultural waste issue and that the applicant had provided credible information regarding pipeline connection, transport routing, and CHP demand. Concerns remained regarding traffic impacts and bridge capacity (which officers would check with Highways), with differing views on appropriate vehicle movement hours.”

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The vote

Members approved the motion to grant permission with amended weekday transport hours; seven voted for, four against and one abstained.

“It was then moved and seconded to approve the recommendations in the officer report with an amendment to Condition 3 in respect of transport operational hours that Monday to Fridays the operation of delivery and mobile plant transport shall only take place between 07:00 – 18:00 hours.”

“Voting record: Seven in favour, four against and one abstention.”

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The decision

Planning permission was granted subject to the listed conditions, amended Condition 3 and completion of a unilateral undertaking.

“The decision: That planning permission be GRANTED subject to conditions listed in the report (with the amendment to Condition 3 as detailed above) and subject to completion of a Unilateral Undertaking with terms detailed in Table 1 of the report.”

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