Views sought on 'controversial' incinerator for Devon

Some locals fear an incinerator could adversely affect the environment

A public consultation is under way over controversial plans for an incinerator which would create energy from waste.

Viridor Waste Management wants to build the incinerator on a former quarry it owns at Lee Mill, near Dartmoor, Devon.

However, last year about 300 residents protested against the plan, claiming it would adversely affect the environment.

Devon County Council is carrying out a two-month public consultation about the proposal after receiving a planning application from Viridor last month.

As well as featuring plans for an incinerator which would produce electricity for 45,000 homes, the proposal for the "resource recovery centre" also includes plans for an ash treatment and recycling facility, a visitor centre and a new access road linking to the A38 at Lee Mill.

Earlier this month, Viridor also submitted an Environmental Permit application to the Environment Agency setting out details on how the site would operate and what impact it would have on the environment.

The firm is one of three companies which have been asked to come up with solutions for the disposal of waste in south Devon.

Other proposed sites are at Ernesettle and Devonport in Plymouth.

The South West Devon Waste Partnership, which has a £1.5bn, 30-year, energy-from-waste plan, will make a decision about the preferred bidders in the spring.