Plans have emerged for a new eco-friendly waste processing plant that could supply gas to 7,000 homes a year.

Greenacre Energy Ltd recently held a public consultation on its scheme to construct an anaerobic digestion facility on land at Great Cauldham Farm in Capel-le-Ferne, between Folkestone and Dover.

The system is fed by organic waste such as silage, straw and manure, which is then broken down into biogas.

A pipeline installed from the digester to a point opposite the village’s Battle of Britain Memorial will then be connected to the main gas service pipe for Capel-le-Ferne.

Vehicles will make their way to the site via the Alkham Valley Road, avoiding Cauldham Lane, which has already been earmarked for 106 homes, 16 of which are already under construction.

Villagers previously highlighted the growing tension between housing targets and their wishes for the quiet life as developments creep ever closer to their doors.

But in terms of this facility, villager Jan Milliken says she is not too concerned.

She added: “I mean we live in the countryside. If there’s a bit of a smell from the anaerobic digester, we get a lot worse. As my dad used to say, ‘Hark, I hear the smell of the country air’ when they do muck spreading.

“The entrance is going to use the Alkham Valley Road - it really isn’t going to affect the village.

“My biggest concern currently is all the building traffic going up Cauldham Lane and we still don’t have our footpath. It’s concerning for villagers.”

Some feed materials listed may come from Great Cauldham Farm, but others may be transported in from other locations within a 12-mile radius of the site.

Bosses say the gas injected into the local network could supply enough gas for almost 7,000 homes annually.

The leftover solid and liquid from the digestion process can also be used as a fertiliser, stopping the need for an artificial version, which is a big source of greenhouse gas.

On behalf of the applicants Greenacre Energy, James Stone said the plans show support for the area’s rural economy.

He added: “The plans will provide green gas, which will help decarbonise one of the more difficult sectors in heating and transport.

“It will also support a vibrant rural economy by diversifying employment opportunities for farming businesses.

“We chose this site because of its minimal visual impact and its being well located for local farmers to access.

“It also provides good access to the gas network and good separation from residential properties.

“Over 800 invitations were sent to the local community to attend our exhibition, and Greenacre appreciated the opportunity to explain the proposal and to discuss people’s questions.”

It is hoped the proposed anaerobic digestion plant will generate up to 15 jobs and deliver at least a 110% biodiversity net gain.

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The full planning application is expected to be submitted in either late spring or early summer this year.

Permission was granted for a plant on the same plot in 2013, but this application was never enacted.