RESIDENTS in Winwick and surrounding communities are being encouraged to review newly submitted documents for the proposed biogas plant and consider making further representations before the current consultation closes.
Severn Trent Green Power has submitted amended plans and additional technical reports for its proposed anaerobic digestion facility on Green Belt land east of Winwick Link Road, near Highfield Lane.
The changes follow objections raised by the Environment Agency and United Utilities over concerns about groundwater protection and nearby drinking water resources.
The application, reference 2025/00859/FULM, proposes a facility capable of processing approximately 75,000 tonnes of organic waste each year to produce renewable gas.
Local Warrington Borough Council ward councillor Stuart Mann (Burtonwood & Winwick) has been reviewing the latest documents and believes residents should be aware of the changes and the questions that remain unanswered.
Three underground tanks moved above ground
The most significant change involves three tanks originally proposed underground, comprising a mixing tank and two liquid storage tanks.
These have now been relocated above ground within a contained area designed to capture potential leaks or spills.
The changes are intended to reduce the risk of contaminated liquids entering the groundwater beneath the site.
This is particularly important because the proposed development sits above a principal sandstone aquifer, with drinking water resources and infrastructure in the surrounding area.
The Environment Agency previously objected to aspects of the underground infrastructure, while United Utilities also raised concerns about groundwater protection.
The developer’s new hydrogeological assessment, dated October 2026, concludes that the revised design reduces the assessed risk from high to moderate or low.
However, this is the developer’s assessment, and it remains important to establish whether the Environment Agency and United Utilities are satisfied with the changes.
Some underground structures, including waste reception bunkers, would remain.
Changes raise further questions about odour control
Although moving the tanks above ground is intended to address groundwater concerns, it also raises questions about how odour will be managed.
During a previous visit by residents, Cllr Mann and members of Winwick Parish Council to another Severn Trent facility, underground storage arrangements were highlighted as an important part of odour control.
The developer’s previous odour assessment, prepared in January 2026, describes measures including enclosed waste reception areas, air extraction systems and treatment equipment designed to prevent unpleasant smells escaping.
However, that assessment predates the latest design changes.
Moving tanks above ground does not automatically mean odour will increase, but Cllr Mann believes the Council should establish whether the original assessment remains valid and whether the revised arrangements will provide equivalent protection for nearby residents.
Wider concerns remain unresolved
The latest amendments primarily address groundwater protection and do not remove the wider planning concerns surrounding the development.
These include the proposed industrial-scale facility’s location on agricultural Green Belt land, its proximity to residential properties, potential noise and lighting impacts, and additional HGV movements.
There are also important heritage considerations, including the potential impact on a nationally significant scheduled prehistoric monument within the application site.
Cllr Mann remains concerned about whether alternative industrial or previously developed sites have been adequately considered and whether the combined effects of other major developments affecting Winwick have been properly assessed.
Residents encouraged to submit further representations
With the consultation deadline approaching, Cllr Mann is strongly encouraging residents to examine the amended documents and consider whether they wish to make further representations.
Anyone who has already objected does not need to submit their original objection again. All previous objections remain on the planning record.
However, residents can submit supplementary comments specifically addressing the changes.
These could include questions about the effectiveness of the revised groundwater protection measures, whether the previous odour assessment remains appropriate, and whether the proposed location is suitable given its proximity to homes.
Residents do not need specialist planning knowledge to make representations. They can explain their concerns in their own words, including how the development could affect their property or the wider community.
Cllr Mann is preparing his own supplementary objection and intends to continue examining the application, particularly the updated responses from the Environment Agency and United Utilities.
He is also encouraging residents who previously objected to take another look at the plans rather than assume their original concerns have been fully addressed.
Consultation deadline and how to comment
The current consultation closes on 17th November. (subject to change)
Residents can view the amended documents and submit further comments through Warrington Borough Council’s planning portal using application reference 2025/00859/FULM.
Planning application:
https://online.warrington.gov.uk/planning/index.html?fa=getApplication&id=214460
Further information is also available through Winwick Parish Council:
https://winwickparishcouncil.org.uk/biogas
Anyone with questions about the changes, the consultation process or how to submit further representations can contact Winwick Parish Council or Cllr Stuart Mann directly at cllrstuart.mann@warrington.gov.uk.
Cllr Mann added: “These are significant changes to a development that could have a lasting impact on Winwick and the surrounding communities. I would encourage everyone with an interest in the application to read the latest information and make their views known before the deadline.”
