DEVELOPERS behind controversial plans to build an anaerobic digestion site in Ramsbottom have lodged an appeal against a decision to refuse their application.

Marshalls and Peel Environmental have appealed against the decision made by Bury Council’s planning committee, who unanimously rejected the proposals in March.

The meeting was attended by about 200 people, who staged a protest outside Bury Town Hall, waving placards and singing songs in protest against the proposed plant.

In addition, campaign group Ramsbottom Against Waste Site (RAWS) was set up in a bid to fight the plans.

Developers say that they were disappointed with the council’s decision, and that the plant would provide “many different benefits”.

The plant, which would be located next to the existing Marshalls site in Fletcher Bank Quarry, is designed to convert food by-products into electricity, and would supply Marshall’s energy needs.

However, protesters say the plant would create bad odours, extra traffic and noise, and would detract from Ramsbottom’s reputation as a tourist destination.

The appeal is being lodged with the Planning Inspectorate, and an independent inspector will be appointed to decide whether the council’s decision will be upheld.

It is anticipated that a decision could be taken, following a public inquiry, early next year.

Kieran Tames, development surveyor at Peel Environmental, said: “We were disappointed that our application was refused earlier this year as it was recommended for approval by council officers and would deliver many different benefits.

“As well as providing a renewable energy source for the concrete production factory at the quarry, the AD plant would divert large amounts of food waste from landfill, produce bio-fertiliser and create new jobs through construction and operation.

“The proposal helps to safeguard the future of the factory and is a £10 million investment in the area.”

Karen Pollard-Rylance, chairman of RAWS, said the group is now considering its next steps.

She said: “I was shocked to see the plans were resubmitted, but I am sure we will have a lot of people who will be willing to fight it again.

“It is a case of getting people together, and making people aware of it if they are not already.

The developers have set up a website to allow residents to gain more information about their plans, which can be accessed by visiting: fletcher-bankad.co.uk