TWO multi million pound anaerobic digestion plans capable of gobbling up Fenland s farm waste are planned- and by a remarkable coincidence both are within yards of each other. Last month Fenmarc unveiled details of their scheme at Westry that will use po

TWO multi million pound anaerobic digestion plans capable of gobbling up Fenland's farm waste are planned- and by a remarkable coincidence both are within yards of each other.

Last month Fenmarc unveiled details of their scheme at Westry that will use potato industry scraps to help produce enough power for 1,500 homes.

In a remarkable coincidence, discovered this week, it was revealed that a Danish businessman and owner of nearby Crowdens Farm at Grandford Drove, has lodged his own plans for a similar plant.

Robert Beck of Denmark wants to use a set of farms in the corner of field to house his own anaerobic digestion unit that he says will further boost Fenland's renewable energy targets.

A spokesman for Edinburgh based Greenspace Agency, who have lodged his application, described it as "a pure coincidence" that Fenland Council received both applications at around the same time.

"The only difference is we plan to source more traditional types of farm waste," their spokesman said. "However we are confident Fenland is capable of utilising both to their full extent."

Mr Beck's unit, also off the A141, says the barns he wants to use have good access so no upgrades will be necessary.

He says the AD plant will increase the economic value of a site and his proposals have few environmental or economic implications "and no social ones".

Like Fenmarc he believes the unit will create extra jobs and being trained in the operation of the AD unit "will provide them with new and useful skills, and long term permanent employment".