Covanta’s application to build the incinerator is currently being considered by a Government quango, the Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC). The last Labour Government set up the quango to fast-track planning permisson on large-scale works including airports and nuclear power stations.

Bob Griffin said: “We recently went to the House of Commons as MP debated changes to IPC guidelines. Unfortunately they voted against changes that would have seen incinerators taken out of the IPC’s remit and placed in the hands of local authorities.

“Here, planning permission would be more difficult to get and local people would have more say. However, an all-party group will now be set up to look at Incinerators and make more recommendations.

Moving forward

“We will continue to do all we can to help the campaign move forward and stop this massive incinerator. Otherwise the health of local people will be badly affected by pollution and local tourism and retail will sufffer.”

The IPC has extended the enquiry into the incinerator proposals until February 2012 and a further public meeting is due to be held. 10,000 people have already requested a say on the proposals.