Plans to create a renewable power plant on the edge of Attleborough have caused a stink among local residents and environmental officials.A scheme to build an anaerobic digestion unit on farmland on the edge of the town, which would be fuelled by manure and rotting organic matter, is set to be discussed by district councillors next week.

Plans to create a renewable power plant on the edge of Attleborough have caused a stink among local residents and environmental officials.

A scheme to build an anaerobic digestion unit on farmland on the edge of the town, which would be fuelled by manure and rotting organic matter, is set to be discussed by district councillors next week.

The proposals for land at Attleborough Poultry Farms, off the B1077, have so far prompted 70 letters of objection from residents over concerns about the potential smell, noise and increased traffic.

The Environment Agency has also voiced its concerns about the odours generated by the power plant and the risk of polluting ground water supplies.

The application by SS Agriservices would use green crops grown locally, litter from the nearby turkey farm, cattle slurry from local farms, and brewers' grains from Suffolk to create biogas to produce electricity for the National Grid and heat for the neighbouring poultry farm.

Officers at Breckland Council have yet to make a formal recommendation ahead of a planning meeting on Monday

In a report to members, Nick Moys, principal planning officer, said the proposals would not harm the rural landscape or traffic conditions on local roads.

However, discussions were ongoing between the Environment Agency and the council's environmental health officer over smell and pollution controls.

Attleborough Town Council has not objected to the plans near St Luke's Hospital. But Great Ellingham Parish Council has lodged concerns about the estimated 1,900 extra vehicle movements a year on the B1077.