AN MP has insisted that the decision over whether a controversial waste treatment plant should be built in Huncoat should be made by the Government.

Hyndburn's Greg Pope believes proposals for the facility on the site of the former Huncoat power station are "too complicated" to be decided by county hall.

He has written to planning minister Yvette Cooper asking for the planning application to be "called in."

The move has been welcomed by local protesters campaigning against the plan, submitted by the county council as part of its strategy to increase recycling and reduce the amount of landfill waste.

Mr Pope said: "I believe that this site is of regional rather than just local importance, given its location next to the A56, Junction 8 of the M65 and also the trans-Pennine railway line.

"Everyone agrees that we need recycling facilities but I am far from convinced that Huncoat is the appropriate venue given that the village already has the vast Whinney Hill landfill site to contend with.

"These issues taken together, the regional significance of the site, the threat to the Green Belt and the cumulative effect on Huncoat, lead me to believe that this is so important it should be called in by the Government."

According to the plans the plant would be made up of four main buildings -- a composting facility, a biological treatment facility, and buildings to sort and store waste.

A new access road to the site from the junction of Burnley Road with the A56 is also proposed, which would take the 544 daily heavy goods vehicle movements expected on the site.

But campaigners are concerned because it would cut through protected green belt land.

Louise Burton, from campaign group Huncoat Voice, said: "We feel all along that we have been bullied and that Lancashire County Council has not listened to us.

"Greg Pope has listened and we are grateful that he has asked for the plans to be called in because that is the only fair way forward."

Mr Pope has also written to the roads minister, Dr Stephen Ladyman, asking him to look into the possibility of creating an access off the M65 that would lead directly to both Whinney Hill tip and, if it goes ahead, the proposed new waste treatment plant to take heavy traffic out of the surrounding towns and villages.

The planning application was due to be discussed by the county council's development control committee today.

But council officers have recommended the decision is deferred so members can visit the site, so it is not expected to be decided until later this year.

Huncoat Voice has organised a demonstration against the proposals on Saturday, which Mr Pope will attend.

Protesters will meet on the Griffin Head car park, Burnley Road, at 11am.