Plans for energy park submitted

Plans have been submitted for a £20m green energy plant on the site of a former North Yorkshire factory.

Whites Renewable Energy said the plant, in place of the old Tate & Lyle citric acid factory in Denison Road, would create 120 new jobs.

The company said the plant would generate enough clean, renewable energy to power 10,800 homes per year via the National Grid.

A planning application has been submitted to Selby District Council.

'Significant boost'

The Selby Renewable Energy Park would use anaerobic digestion technology, which breaks down leftover food into compost and biogas, which can be burned to produce heat and electricity.

Spokesman David Balderson said: "Anaerobic digestion is widely recognised by the government, DEFRA and Friends of the Earth as one of the best solutions for disposing of organic waste.

"The site at Selby is ideal as it is well connected to the local motorway network via Selby bypass, it already has an anaerobic digester and a connection to the National Grid.

"This project will provide a significant boost to the local economy by creating jobs and will also make available a cheap non fossil fuel heat source that will attract businesses to the area."