Beanston Farm
Anaerobic Digestion Biomethane Plant
Welcome
Farm Biomethane Limited (Farm Biomethane) is proposing an anaerobic digestion (AD) biomethane plant at a site at Beanston Farm, north of the A199 and west of East Linton.
This project website hosts background information on the proposals as well as details of our community consultation and how you can provide feedback.
Feedback on our proposals is now closed following our consultation process, which included two well-attended public events.
Our team remains available for any queries using the contact details on this page. There will be an opportunity to make formal representations to East Lothian Council following the submission of the planning application.
Farm Biomethane were involved in the development of the Sheppey Anaerobic Digestion site in Sheerness, Kent. Our proposed site in East Lothian is a similar design.
Background
Anaerobic digestion is a natural process by which organic waste is converted into clean renewable energy and biofertilizer. The purpose of the proposed AD plant is to take agricultural and biodegradable commercial waste and crop, digest it, and inject the gas directly into the local gas grid.
The process is safe, sustainable and helps decarbonise the gas grid, assisting in tackling the climate emergency.
The proposed AD plant will support East Lothian farming and other local businesses by:
- Providing a local long-term market for grown crops used as feedstock
- Providing organic fertiliser from the plant to improve their soil structure
- Reducing farmers’ reliance on purchased chemical fertilisers
- Taking residues and waste from local business for use as feedstock
Farm Biomethane will lease the site from the Wemyss and March Estates for a period of 40 years.
Location
The proposed site at Beanston Farm, north of the A199 and west of East Linton.
Benefits of development
The site will take residues and waste from local agricultural businesses to produce 600 Cubic Metres (CuM) per hour of biomethane injected into the local gas grid, enough for circa 8,000 homes annually. The digestate will go back to local farms to reduce reliance on chemical fertilisers.
In creating a local market for the supply of grown feedstock and organic waste from the Wemyss and March Estate and other local businesses, the facility will support sustainable farming practices and help keep our environment cleaner. It will employ significant numbers during construction and a team of approximately six skilled staff on-site when operational.
Plant operations will follow the strictest safety standards and comply with all relevant regulations. The site will produce minimal odours and no harmful emissions into the surrounding area and significant tree screening will be planted and maintained by the estate to reduce any visual impact from nearby properties.
The below shows the site boundary (red line) and the new woodland screening (indicated by the green lines) that will be planted should the site be granted planning permission.
Have your say
Community consultation is essential to the success of every project we undertake.
Farm Biomethane is committed to maintaining transparency and fostering open communication throughout the process consultation process. This process does not stop should planning permission be granted.
Farm Biomethane held two public consultation events which took place on:
- Thursday 29th January 2026, 3:30pm-7:30pm, Athelstaneford Village Hall, Athelstaneford, North Berwick EH39 5BE.
- Friday 27th February 2026, 3:30pm-7:30pm, East Linton Community Hall, 75 High St, East Linton EH40 3BQ.
These events provided details of the Beanston Farm AD plant, with the opportunity to provide feedback.
Feedback is now closed and Farm Biomethane are currently finalising the planning application.
A further opportunity to make representations to East Lothian Council will be available following formal submission of the planning application. You can still contact our project team if you have any questions or queries using the details below.
Contact
Further details about the proposals and the pre-planning application public consultation events can be requested by email to hello@beanstonfarmAD.co.uk, by writing to Orbit Communications, 42 Charlotte Square, Edinburgh EH2 4HQ, or by telephone on 0131 202 3259.
About us
Farm Biomethane partner with farmers and landowners to develop, operate and invest in sustainable clean energy anaerobic digestion, contributing towards the UK’s renewable energy & carbon emission reduction targets.
Farm Biomethane are the development partner of SWING Biomethane in Great Britain.
Fam Biomethane is currently developing 3 AD sites in Scotland, three in England and one in Wales. Additionally, FBL is the Asset Manager for Bangley Quarry Biogas and we are investigating a further 4 potential AD sites.