THE company behind plans to build an incinerator in Severn Beach now faces an anxious wait while the application is considered by the Secretary of State.

An eight-day public inquiry into whether or not SITA should be granted permission to build an Energy Recovery Centre (ERC) off Severn Road has now ended.

Government inspector Rupert Graham heard evidence from the waste firm, and South Gloucestershire Council, which refused the application last year. He also visited the Severn Beach site as part of the inquiry.

Speaking as the planning inquiry came to an end, Gareth Phillips, planning manager at SITA, said: "The planning inquiry has been a thorough and transparent process and we remain confident in our case to gain planning permission for a Severnside Energy Recovery Centre."

According to SITA the incinerator could generate up to 32 megawatts of electricity, enough to power approximately 50,000 homes.

"We strongly believe that our carefully considered proposals to build a facility capable of processing up to 400,000 tonnes of non-recycled materials, and which have already gained an Environmental Permit from the Environment Agency, are entirely appropriate and meet all relevant planning regulations," added Mr Phillips.

South Gloucestershire Council’s development control committee refused SITA’s application in July last year, over concerns about the cumulative impact of similar facilities in the area.

A spokesman for the local authority said the council had used the inquiry to defend its decision.

He said: "We hope that the appeal inspector and the Secretary of State who will make the final decision will recognise the strength of the council’s case, and consider that the locally determined decision to refuse permission should be upheld."

Mr Graham is expected to submit a report of his findings from the inquiry to Eric Pickles, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, who will decide the appeal. A decision is expected in July.