MORE than 2,330 people have signed a petition aimed at stopping the £200 million energy from waste incinerator scheme for Westbury.

The petition was launched by Steve Bennett on www.change.org to the UK government and has already attracted 2,331 signatures.

Last week, Wiltshire Council’s Strategic Planning Committee voted 7-4 to approve planning permission for a combustion moving grate incinerator in Westbury.

Mr Bennett said: "The proposed incinerator in Westbury will have an impact far beyond this small town in the shadow of the historic White Horse.

"The pollution caused by the process itself and the impact of an additional 300 HGVs a day carrying waste through our already-stretched road networks will impact all our lives and the lives of our children even more.

"The air quality is already poor and a round the clock operation spewing poisons into the atmosphere will impact a huge area and a huge number of people."

"The plans say that up to 45 jobs will be created - what about the 250 that may be lost by Arla who produce the famous Anchor Butter brand right next door to the proposed site of this incinerator?

"The plans were opposed by all local parish councils, by Arla, by local residents and even by our own MP yet they were given the green light at Council level.

"Say no today. Spread the word and share with your friends and families. We must and will be heard."

Meanwhile, South West Wiltshire MP Dr Andrew Murrison has already written to Robert Jenrick, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, and his Department’s Planning Casework Unit to ‘call in’ the proposal, a request which can be made up until the relevant planning authority makes its decision.

Dr Murrison said he has been in contact with anti-incinerator stakeholders regarding future action.

He said: “We still have the opportunity to stop this carbon-belching monster. Any final decision is still some way off.

"I will be writing to the Secretary of State clearly outlining my – and my constituents’ – main concerns with this proposal.

“I will also be seeking a meeting with him, where, hopefully, local stakeholders will also be able to engage and put forward their points of view.”

Dr Murrison said two different contingencies will follow relating to the appeal against the approved decision.

In the first scenario, the Secretary of State will decide to call in the decision – this would be justified on the basis that the proposal is of national, rather than just local, significance.

An inquiry would then take place directed by the Planning Inspectorate. The Inspector has to make a report and recommendation to the Secretary of State under the circumstances existing at the time he or she makes it.

The decision can be challenged in the High Court. Government guidance states that this could take place "if you think the Planning Inspectorate made a legal mistake."

In terms of a timeframe for this, the procedural guide available on gov.uk states: "Once we have received a called-in application we will send our initial letter confirming the inquiry procedure and notifying the applicant and the local planning authority of the reference number, the timetable for the called-in application and the specific address (room number and email address) to which any correspondence should be sent." Dr Murrison's office has not yet received a letter in response to his 'call in' request.

In terms of a second route, a judicial review can be initiated or the Environment Agency – who are in the process of deciding whether to grant a permit for operations at the plant – can be appealed to.

This route would be pursued if the Secretary of State decides not to call in the application - it should be noted that Secretaries of State only call a few applications in every year.

To sign Mr Bennett's petition, go to https://www.change.org/p/uk-government-say-no-to-the-westbury-incinerator