A CONTROVERSIAL £23.5 million green energy scheme which developers say will create hundreds of jobs has been approved, but opponents claim their fears over the project were ignored.

City of York Council’s planning committee backed Peel Environmental’s plans for an anaerobic digestion plant – which will use organic waste to produce power for about 3,500 homes and horticultural glasshouses – on the former North Selby Mine site, near Deighton, Escrick and Wheldrake.

The firm says the Green Belt scheme will create 256 construction jobs and 56 full-time and 50 seasonal roles, boost York’s economy by about £2.2 million a year, reduce carbon emissions and increase recycling.

The plans were opposed by York Outer MP Julian Sturdy and local councillors and parish councils, with 362 objections being lodged.

Peel Environmental’s development manager Richard Barker said: “There are significant benefits our plans will bring to the local area, and we are keen to see these delivered. They will facilitate the expansion of a successful Yorkshire business. We are delighted councillors have not only recognised the benefits of such a significant amount of private investment, but also the positive impact this facility will have on the environment.”

North Selby Mine Action Group spokesman Tim Williams said he was bitterly disappointed and the group was considering its position.

He said: “It was an extremely close call, but we find it hard to understand how public opposition and the impact on surrounding villages was not taken into account and question how local democracy works.”

Mr Sturdy said the scheme was inappropriate and alien in the Green Belt and the site’s traffic would exacerbate congestion on the A19. He said: “It seems the only support for this application comes from within the council.”

Former Wheldrake councillor Christian Vassie said there was a real need to show York could embrace the energy transition to a low-carbon future, and Peel could be a good neighbour by helping local residents reduce emissions through providing heating or energy grants for community buildings.