Full incinerator plans go online

Developers said the plant was designed to fit into the countryside

A planning application is due to be submitted this month for a controversial incinerator which could be built in the Surrey countryside.

The so-called Energy from Waste (EfW) facility is proposed for a former quarry site at Clockhouse Brickworks, on the A24 at Capel, near Dorking.

Surrey Waste Management has published a virtual exhibition of the plans on a website, along with artist's views.

It said changes had been made following a round of public consultation.

Sean Trotter, general manager for Surrey Waste Management, said: "These include removing some of the office space, reducing some of the car parking, and some additional landscaping at the facility."

The thermal treatment plant would generate electricity from Surrey's household waste.

This is previously developed land... that has been quarried Sean Trotter

"What we're seeing is a modern, safe technology which will allow us to reduce the reliance on landfill," Mr Trotter said.

But the Capel Action Group and MP Sir Paul Beresford are opposing the plans because of the location and the potential environmental impact.

Mr Trotter argued Capel was a viable site because it was "previously developed land... that has been quarried".

"It gives an element of a natural bowl to put the facility into," he explained.

Mr Trotter added that dioxins produced by the thermal treatment process would be cleaned "to make sure emissions are strictly controlled".

If approved by Surrey County Council, the Capel facility could be up and running by late 2011.

It is the first of two EfW plants planned for the county, with Trumps Farm, at Longcross, near Virginia Water, being the second preferred site.

About 300 names have been added to a Downing Street petition against an incinerator there.