COUNCILLOR Stan Waddington has just released the following statement following yesterday's decision to refuse planning permission for the incinerator at Javelin Park.

Cllr Waddington, cabinet project champion for waste, said: “This is now out of our hands.

"UBB is considering a planning appeal, meaning that the final decision is now likely to be taken by an independent planning inspector.

“The Planning Committee has made a decision based on several concerns with the proposed incinerator’s prominence as a building.

"This is only one part of a detailed proposal, which has been supported by the full council on five separate occasions, where all 63 councillors have had the opportunity to have their say.

“In its refusal, the planning committee did not challenge the need for the facility, which will save Gloucestershire families up to £190 million in council tax.

"The council has so far invested a huge amount of time and effort over the past four years into this project to help secure that saving for Gloucestershire.

"Claims that there is some sort of penalty clause in the contract are simply untrue.

“We can’t go on putting our rubbish in holes in the ground.

"It’s neither environmentally friendly nor fair on the people who have to live next to landfill.

"We also cannot rely on shipping our waste to other places to deal with.

"We must have a safe, clean and environmentally friendly way to dispose of our rubbish that can’t readily be recycled — which is exactly what this facility at Javelin Park would provide.

"However, as I’ve said, it is now out of our hands as the democratic process continues.”