Minister agrees incinerator plan

The new plant will replace the Bellozanne incinerator

Plans to build a controversial new incinerator in Jersey have been approved by the island's planning minister.

The plant at La Collette will replace the existing Bellozanne incinerator and will generate energy by burning waste.

Critics say the new facility, which has an estimated cost of £100m, is not needed and will be too large.

Senator Freddie Cohen said planning approval was conditional on a "leading" architect being used for the project.

The preferred architect is Sir Michael Hopkins, the man behind St Helier's Waterfront project.

Senator Cohen would like him to design the site layout and make sure it is built to his specifications.

The proposed plant is expected to improve air quality, generate electricity for about 8,000 homes and have an active life of up to 30 years.