CAMPAIGNERS have called for the Javelin Park incinerator to be put on hold after a similar facility in Northern Ireland was denied planning permission partly due to health concerns.

Environment minister Mark Durkan refused planning permission for the Arc21 incinerator near Belfast mainly due to concerns over recycling targets , but also raised fears about health implications.

He said: “Having considered the views and fears expressed by third parties, including the health implications from pollutants in stack gases, ashes and other residues, pollutants from increased traffic and heavy vehicles... I am not convinced that the proposal will not result in an adverse impact on human health.”

Campaign group GlosVAIN has once again called for the £500 million Javelin Park facility to be put on hold until a Public Health England report into incineration is published next year.

The study will look at the possible connection between incinerator fumes and health issues including infant deaths, still births and low birth weight.

Sue Oppenheimer, chairman of GlosVAIN, called the decision in Northern Ireland a “very interesting precedent” and said it validated concerns the group had been voicing for years.

“The particulates created from the emissions of incineration are a known health hazard,” she said.

“The substances emitted are well known for their health effects, such as cancer causing dioxins.

“While some research exists claiming that incineration is a safe technology, other research claims it to be a dangerous technology – especially with increased levels of infant mortality.

“I think where such doubt exists we must urge caution and not risk damaging people's health.

“This is not least because over 20,000 children attend school within five miles of the planned site of the incinerator.

“Therefore it’s disappointing to see UBB go ahead with their plans while this health study is still underway.”

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However, Urbaser Balfour Beatty project director Javier Peiro again insisted the plant would be safe.

“The Environment Agency raised no concerns with UBB’s proposals awarding an Environmental Permit, and will continue to monitor the facility through construction, commissioning and operational phases of the project,” he said.

Ray Theodoulou, deputy leader and cabinet member for waste at Gloucestershire County Council, said: “Incinerators are the most widely used way of disposing of waste, other than landfill right across Europe. “Over many years they’re proven to be safe, and that is backed up by the government’s independent scientific advice.”

The Public Health England (PHE) study is being carried out by medical and scientific experts from Imperial College London and King’s College London.

Dr Simon Bouffler, head of PHE’s centre for radiation, chemical and environmental hazards, said: “It has been delayed because of the unanticipated complexity in gathering data.

“It is import to stress that PHE’s position that well run and regulated modern municipal waste incinerators are not a significant risk to public health remains valid, and the study is being carried out to extend the evidence base and to provide further information to the public on this subject,” he added.

The papers are likely to be published early next year.

In July, a High Court judge rejected Stroud District Council’s legal challenge against the government’s decision to grant permission for the incinerator to be built at the site in Haresfield near Stroud.