The Banff and Buchan area committee gave its backing to Puffin Power Ltd to build the plant at its premises at the Boyndie Aerodrome.

While backing Aberdeenshire Council planners' recommendation to support the application, councillors said noise concerns expressed by members of the public would have to be addressed.

Planning officer Darren Ross told the area committee: "SEPA (Scottish Environment Protection Agency) advises it will control and regulate the plant. Aberdeenshire Council's environmental health has no objections, so I recommend to grant full planning permission."

The Whitehills and District Community Council and a nearby resident are concerned that the noise from the existing plant generates a low hum inside nearby homes when in operation. They are also concerned about particles being released into the air from the plant.

Mr Ross suggested the possibility of trees being built around the premises to address the noise issue.

Banff councillor John Cox was happy to support the application on that condition, and was seconded by Banff and District councillor Ian Gray.

The new biomass plant will create six jobs and supply enough electricity to the National Grid to power 2,500 homes.

It would also power the Puffin Pellets business that has been based at the aerodrome for more than a year.

The company produces wood pellets for fuel, but so far has relied on diesel generators for its electricity.

The new plant will have a stack to release air emissions. It will use waste wood as fuel to produce a combustion gas which would be used to provide heat and energy.

The company hopes to start building it as soon as possible.

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