Grosvenor Farms has submitted plans to develop an anaerobic digester and a neighbouring biogas upgrading facility, enabling it to recycle cow manure into biomethane – a renewable natural gas – generating enough energy to heat 5,000 homes a year.

The proposed facilities at Lea Manor Farm and nearby Grange Farm in Chester will contribute to the UK’s energy resources via the national grid, helping to reduce the nation’s reliance on fossil fuels.

Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a safe and established technology which has existed since the 19th century as an integral part of sewage treatment plants.

In addition to enabling the production of renewable energy, AD improves air quality by reducing pollutants such as ammonia, removing methane and lowering greenhouse gas emissions, ultimately reducing the use of resource intensive chemical fertilisers on the farm.

The facility has been designed with the capacity to enable a further 10 AD units on neighbouring farms up to 10km away to join the network, providing a hub in the area.

If approved, in addition to supporting employment during its construction, there will be four new roles created – contributing to the local rural economy.