A fresh planning proposal has reignited concerns from residents already grappling with noise complaints, as a bid to install new equipment at an established green energy site comes under scrutiny.
Plans have been submitted to Devon County Council for the installation of a replacement flare unit at an existing anaerobic digestion facility near Holsworthy.
The application, lodged by Severn Trent Green Power Limited, proposes upgrading ageing infrastructure used to safely burn off excess biogas generated on site. According to planning documents, the current flare has been in operation for almost 20 years and is described as increasingly unreliable.
The new unit would be connected to Tank 5 within the facility and designed to operate at the same time as existing combined heat and power engines, improving the site’s ability to manage surplus gas safely.
Developers say the flare would have a capacity of 1,200 cubic metres per hour of biogas and stand just over 11 metres tall. It would be constructed mainly from stainless steel and include an acoustic shroud intended to reduce noise from associated equipment.
Planning documents state the proposal would “not give rise to any significant visual, noise or other environmental effects” and would instead improve safety and operational efficiency at the site.
However, objections have already been raised by local residents, who claim existing noise issues at the plant remain unresolved.
One submission to the council states: “The site already is above permitted dB during the day and at night… Despite the comments in the application regarding promise of noise control they are not doing so now.”
The objector adds that mitigation measures introduced in July 2025, including acoustic hoods, “did not solve the noise problems”, with further surveys carried out in September 2025 but no resolution yet delivered.
They question whether further permissions should be granted before existing issues are addressed, saying: “Surely the current problems with noise control must be resolved… before more permits are given.”
The anaerobic digestion facility, located around 950 metres north of Holsworthy, processes food and green waste to generate renewable energy. It has been in operation since planning permission was first granted in 1999, with subsequent approvals allowing for expansions and modifications over the years.
According to the applicant, the flare is a standard safety feature at such sites, used during maintenance periods or when gas cannot be processed through energy systems. It converts methane into carbon dioxide, helping to reduce greenhouse gas impact and prevent uncontrolled releases.
The application will now be considered by Devon County Council, which will assess both the technical merits of the proposal and concerns raised by nearby residents before making a decision.
