Shropshire Council has submitted plans to repurpose a former anaerobic digestion facility in Ludlow into a biocharBiochar is a carbon-rich material created from biomass decomposition in low-oxygen conditions. It has important applications in environmental remediation, soil improvement, agriculture, carbon sequestration, energy storage, and sustainable materials, promoting efficiency and reducing waste in various contexts while addressing climate change challenges. More production plant. The facility, located in Ludlow Business Park, would process imported green waste, wood, and compost oversize material using pyrolysisPyrolysis is a thermochemical process that converts waste biomass into bio-char, bio-oil, and pyro-gas. It offers significant advantages in waste valorization, turning low-value materials into economically valuable resources. Its versatility allows for tailored products based on operational conditions, presenting itself as a cost-effective and efficient More technology.

This initiative is part of a £2 million investment in local biochar production, with the first plant already being developed by Woodtek Engineering Ltd in Powys. Biochar, a form of charcoalCharcoal is a black, brittle, and porous material produced by heating wood or other organic substances in a low-oxygen environment. It is primarily used as a fuel source for cooking and heating.   More, has applications in soil enhancement and carbon sequestration, supporting sustainability goals.

According to environmental consultants working on the project, the proposed plant’s impact—such as dust, odours, and noise—will be managed to comply with World Health Organization guidelines. An environmental survey found no significant species of concern in the area.

Public feedback is open on the council’s planning portal (reference 25/00309/FUL) until February 19. Local reactions are mixed. Councillor Andy Boddington supports the project as a sustainable waste solution, while Ludlow’s mayor, Beverley Waite, has questioned the council’s commitment to town input in the decision-making process.

If approved, this plant would provide a practical alternative to traditional green waste disposal, potentially offering both environmental and economic benefits.

READ MORE: Shropshire Council lodges plans for Ludlow biochar plant