PROPOSALS to build an energy from waste facility comprising of a 275,000 tonne a year incinerator and 970,000 tonne landfill at New England Quarry, Lee Mill have been rejected by Devon County Council.

Waste company Viridor had submitted the application but council officers recommended it for refusal. The recommendation was adhered to by councillors on Wednes-day which pleased Devon County Council-lor for Ivybridge Roger Croad.

Cllr Croad said: 'The County Council has made the right decision, not only is the proposed facility in the wrong place, once the decision to place the energy from waste plant to handle municipal residual waste from the south west of the county in Devonport for overwhelming fin-ancial and energy-based reasons, then there was no basis for Viridor to continue with this application.'

The reasons for refusal related to a number of environmental factors.

On of the most telling was the potential loss of valuable ancient woodland which supports a wide range of priority species.

It was also refused on ground of the visual impact of the EfW building, twin stacks, plume and lighting which, it was felt, would be unsympathetic to the rural character.

A further reason for refusal included the proposed access road could not be integrated into the landscape without eroding the tranquility and seclusion of a wooded section of the Yealm Valley.

County Councillor for Yealmpton Will Mumford said: 'I'm delighted at the decision.

'This has been going on for a very long time and it is a huge relief that the committee has listened to the concerns of local residents.

'The Yealm Valley is a precious natural resource and the threat of the application to the river, the environment and Dartmoor National Park meant that this has to be protected.

'The idea of hauling waste from all over Devon and beyond to feed this incinerator shows exactly why this application had to be refused.'

Campaigners against plans for an incinerator, ash plant and landfill near Ivybridge also welcomed the decision.

EcoIvy spokesperson, Charlotte Mills said she was delighted with the decision and congratulated the planning officers for a thorough report and a well thought-out decision by the councillors.

Mills said: 'For the last three years thousands of people have opposed Viridor's huge incinerator.

'It would have blighted the community, poisoned our air, and despoiled sensitive wildlife habitat, including ancient woodland.

'We always said that cleaner, cheaper greener alternatives were available. We applaud the local councillors for saying no to Viridor and thank them and the officers for their bold decision.

'Viridor has never said where it would get the waste to feed the incinerator and we have always said there was no need for it.

'We are confident that Viridor has no grounds for appeal and hope that this is now the end of the matter.

'Back in 2009 Viridor said it would listen to the concerns of the local population.

'Well the population has said no, and now the planners have said no.

'It is time for Viridor to concede defeat and move on.'