More than 100 jobs could be created in Warminster if plans to build a biogas plant in the town get the final stamp of approval.

Property developer Malaby Martin Ltd wants to use biogas technology as part of a bid to redevelop redundant buildings on a three-acre site at Bore Hill Farm in Deverill Road, close to the A36 bypass.

The firm’s plan to replace old farm buildings with new business units, which will be powered by renewable heat and electricity generated on site by a newly-built biogas plant, was approved by Wiltshire Council in July subject to some adjustments to landscaping being made.

Thomas Minter, who is a co-director at Bradford on Avon firm Malaby Martin with brother Toby, is confident the minor material amendment application will be approved.

He said: “When we got consent for the original proposals we were given feedback from the planning authorities.

“There are some tweaks and changes we have to make regarding the visual impact of the plant. For example, we propose to reduce the level of the ground around tanks to reduce their bulky appearance.

“We have put a considerable amount of effort into reducing the visual impact as much as possible through the choice of materials, location of equipment and the use of soft landscaping all of which will be of benefit to road users, neighbours and pedestrians.

“As soon as permission is granted ground work will start. We will then make a start on the retaining walls and tanks over the summer.”

The plant, which will take nine to 12 months to build, turns waste into electricity.

It would produce enough energy to power 1,000 homes, and any surplus electricity would be sold to the National Grid.

There are only six plants of its kind in the UK, compared to 8,000 in Germany.

Mr Minter added: “It’s a new initiative but using old technology which was used by the Victorians to convert sewage into gas to power street lights.

“It makes renewable energy out of food waste and cow slurry to produce methane.

“We want this to power the business development. There’s a farmhouse on the road, which we have redeveloped.

“There are also farm buildings that are falling apart, so we will redevelop those into business units.

“We don’t know how many jobs the biogas plant will create but I don’t think it will require many to maintain.

“The commercial site has the potential to create many jobs. There could be space for about 50 to 100 employees working from that site.”

Warminster Town Council planning committee chairman Cllr Martin Baker approves of the technology but believes the plant is in the wrong location.

He said: “Residents are adamant they don’t want it there. People are concerned about its visual effect on the landscape, increased traffic and inevitably it will create noise.

“I believe the plant’s proximity to the town means it’s in the wrong location. However the technology is to be commended.

“I’m concerned also about excess traffic on the bypass with wagons coming in and out of the plant.”

Mr Minter said: “Traffic issues were discussed after the original application was submitted.

“The larger the lorries the fewer there will be, but that will be up to the suppliers.”

A decision on the planning application is likely to be made by the middle of Marc