UPDATED - Plans for waste incinerator at Kellingley Colliery approved

North Yorkshire County Council’s planning and regulatory functions committee approved plans for the facility, which would burn up to 280,000 tonnes of waste a year, at a meeting this morning.

But campaigners claim the Peel Environment plant - which will produce enough electricity to power 63,000 homes - will increase pollution and traffic in Knottingley, Byram and Eggborough.

Coun John McCartney, who represents the Osgoldcross ward on North Yorkshire County Council, said: “The big issue is the traffic. There are going to be 130 wagons moving in and out of that site each day.

“All the traffic will have to turn right from the pit site and exit through Eggborough. One of the conditions of the planning permission is that traffic doesn’t go through Knottingley, which we respect, but it’s going to have a serious effect on the village.”

Richard Barker, development manager for Peel Environmental, said: “We are extremely pleased that councillors recognised the benefits of the Southmoor Energy Centre and once again voted to support a new energy source for the region.

“Since the first approval in September, we have been in advanced talks with a development partner to construct and operate the facility.

“This decision will unlock £200 million investment into the site, which will create up to 38 long-term jobs during operation and hundreds more during construction.”