Power station plans are rejected

Eco2 Biomass Limited said the company would appeal

Plans to build a straw-fired power station in a Lincolnshire town have been thrown out.

Eco2 Biomass Limited submitted plans to North Kesteven District Council to build an £80m power station on the outskirts of Sleaford.

After a two-and-a-half hour debate, councillors voted 18 to 16 to reject the plans.

But chief executive of Eco2 Biomass, David Williams, said the company would appeal against the decision.

'Wrong location'

"The local democratic process worked," Mr Williams said.

"It's just a shame that a lot of scaremongering has hit the wrong people.

"As far we're concerned, this is a very easy appeal. We had a strong recommendation in favour, none of the statutory consultees objected.

"It's just a shame this was a political decision and 'not-in-my-backyard' is alive and well in North Kesteven."

Protesters said the power station would have a negative effect on the area, with supply lorries clogging up nearby roads and the chimney dominating the landscape.

Resident Clive Wicks, who opposes the development, said: "We've got to have these sorts of proposals but they've got to be in the right place.

"There are places in North Kesteven that are correct."

Eco2 Biomass Limited said the facility would create 80 jobs and produce low-emission power for 65,000 homes.