A controversial application to build an anaerobic digester in Aldbourne has been withdrawn.

The application for the digester at Snap Farm in Woodsend was submitted by Kingham Farms Ltd, which is owned by multi-millionaire Brian Kingham.

But it sparked concern in the village after it emerged that 60 per cent of the organic matter used to fuel the unit will have to come from third- party growers, which residents feared would result in excessive traffic.

As well as objections from neighbours, Aldbourne and Ogbourne St George parish councils objected because of traffic concerns.

Following a request from James Sheppard, Wiltshire councillor for Aldbourne and Ramsbury, the council called in the application.

It was due to be discussed in front of the Eastern area board.

However, the application has now been withdrawn but the applicant’s agent, Knight Frank, will not say why or whether a revised application is likely to be submitted in the future.