A council has deferred a decision to give the go-ahead for a waste digestion and power plant in Co Tyrone after hundreds of objections were lodged by members of the public.
Planning officials at the Mid Ulster District Council approved the application earlier this week but the move has stalled after concerns were raised about the £3m project.
Hundreds of objections were received from people opposed to locating the anaerobic digester at Ballynakelly, which is near Coalisland.
Under the plan a 500KW digestion plant can take up to 10,950 tonnes of silage and 1,450 tonnes of slurry would be used each year to create gas which is then used to produce power.
Callan Renewables Ltd, which is behind the £3m project, said the facility would generate enough electricity to power 500 homes and help Northern Ireland meet its renewable energy targets.
It is believed there would be around ten loads of material arriving at the facility each week, which is close to residential homes and a playground.
Sinn Féin councillor Gavin Bell said his party had taken on board the "fears and anxieties" of the local community.
He said that "because of the nature of the venture" the majority of his committee felt a site visit was necessary.
"We within Mid Ulster District Council would support means of renewable energy and going forward that is the way ahead, but not completely at the cost of those within the community."
A spokesman for Callan Renewables said the proposed plant will operate within guidelines.
"All gas produced during the AD process is captured within the enclosed system and converted to renewable energy. The plant will be operated in accordance with rigorous regulatory controls and limits by the NIEA post planning. The plant will also be subject to regular inspections by NIEA personnel."
