Carbon capture site could affect habitats – report

In the cover letter, the applicant’s agent said “due to the sensitivity of the environment and the characteristics of the proposed development, the applicant intends to voluntarily undertake an EIA of the proposed development”.

It also acknowledges the noise risk during the four-year construction period, and the possibility of increased emissions – including from road transport, if a CO₂ pipeline cannot be delivered and lorries are used instead.

Although the site sits within a non-statutory wildlife designation, the report said development could affect hedgerow and reedbed habitats, the Local Democracy Reporting Service reported.

Transport, however, has been “scoped out” of the full EIA.

The north of Stewartby is also set to become home to Europe’s first Universal theme park after the government confirmed it would go ahead a week ago.

There are other plans for 1,000 new homes at the former Stewartby brickworks to the west of the village.

Rookery South Ltd has requested a 10-year window to begin construction of the carbon capture facility.

The report forms part of the formal process that identifies environmental considerations required before development can be approved.

A full planning application is expected in due course.