At a meeting of North Kesteven District Council's planning committee on Wednesday evening, councillors voted 18-16 to turn down the application by Eco2. The firm are expected to appeal against the decision.

Around 80 of the residents opposed to the energy plant were at the meeting and applauded when the result of the recorded vote was announced.

David Williams of Eco2 and Fran Mackereth, president of Sleaford and District Chamber of Commerce, spoke at the meeting in support of the application.

Mr Williams said he had been involved with the development of all biomass plants in the country and told the meeting there had been no problems at other sites. He said he was proud of the scheme, which he claimed was very important in the battle against global climate change and the need for renewable energy.

Mrs Mackereth spoke about the economic and employment benefits the plant would bring to the town, creating 30 highly skilled, well paid jobs. She said that during construction of the site there would be between 100 and 250 people working there, spending money locally and providing opportunities for local sub-contractors.

Mrs Mackereth said the plant was vital if Sleaford was to 'create a vibrant economy'.
But objector Andy Parker asked: "Is this the first impression of Sleaford you would wish for?"
He described the scheme as 'poorly conceived and in the wrong location' and expressed concerns about air quality and visual impact.

David Main, speaking on behalf of Kirkby la Thorpe Parish Council who objected to the plans, said his council were concerned about road safety, with up to 50 lorries 'the size of two double decker buses' going to and from the site every day. He described the flyover across the A17 as 'totally inadequate' to cope with such lorry movement.

Architect Clive Wicks, speaking as a Sleaford objector, said: "The idea is poorly conceived and in the wrong location.

"It would destroy the character of this area and ruin the quality of life of local residents."