THE controversial incinerator earmarked for Cwmgwili has been refused planning permission by Carmarthenshire County Council.

In the last couple of hours the Council’s planning committee have unanimously voted against the scheme which would have seen the energy recovery centre built at New Lodge Farm in the village.

The waste processing and energy generation scheme, which had been proposed by Clean Power, would have included a pyrolysis unit-used to burn rubbish.

The planning application had drawn huge protests from both the local communities, businesses and politicians over health, pollution and traffic fears.

The planning application had also been recommended for refusal by the planning department with the officer’s report highlighting four main issue.

These were the impact on the atmosphere and pollution and water drainage issues at the site, the scheme’s energy efficiency and the figures quoted in the application as well as the need for the development.

During the meeting Councillors highlighted their worries over traffic, although this issue did not affect the recommendation for refusal due to no concerns being raised by the Welsh Government's traffic department.

Two weeks ago the Cross Hands food manufacture, Castell Howell, which employs 400 people, expressed their major concerns in regards to food contamination, health effects on employees and the impact it would have on consumer views on the safety of their food.

Local businesses Dawn Meats, Leekes, Mario’s Ice Cream and others also expressed similar concerns about the plans to the Council.

And Llanelli MP Nia Griffith had also added her voice to the protest and two weeks ago called for planners to reject the bid saying: “It is clear to me that this is a half-baked proposal that will be very detrimental to the area. To be viable, it would need more black bag waste than currently produced in the whole of south west Wales, all coming in on lorries routed round via the Cross Hands food park, and turning on and off the A48 just past the notorious Cwmgwili junction.

The MP joined campaigners from the A48 Action Group at County Hall in Carmarthen this morning in a last minute attempt to appeal to the planning committee members.

Welcoming today’s vote, the Member of Parliament for Cwmgwili, Jonathan Edwards said: "Today's rejection of the planning application is a fantastic achievement for the local action group and a reward for their work in opposing the plan.

"The community has work tremendously hard, and professionally, to present a strong and clear case for refusing this application. Their work has been fantastic and I offer them my warmest congratulations for their efforts."

Planning committe member Councillor Kevin Madge also welcomed the decision and called it a "victory" for Cwmgwili residents.

"I am delighted with the result of today's vote," said Cllr Madge.

"This scheme would have seen the area become a dumping ground for waste from here and abroad. There would have been a huge enviromental impact that would have been unacceptable.

 "The decision is a victory for all people who protestetd against this incinerator, especially those in Cwmgwili who would have bourne the brunt of the development.

"I only hope that the common sense shown here today prevails if this plan is taken to appeal."