DEVASTATED Huncoat residents have admitted defeat in a row over plans for a waste treatment plant in their village after government officers refused to intervene.

The decision now means that the controversial project at the former Huncoat power station site seems set to go ahead, with work starting within five years.

The plant, to be situated close to the A56, will handle 30,000 tons of kitchen and garden waste per year in an enclosed plant, and a transfer station will deal with other waste.

Planning permission was granted over a month ago by Lancashire County Council.

Aside from concerns over the affect on residents' health, protesters were angry that the same authority that will be running the plant was able to approve its construction.

Plans for an access road though greenbelt land have also disappointed residents.

The Government Office North West confirmed that they would not intervene in the planning process.

Campaign group Huncoat Voice protester Reid Lewis said: "We are devastated.

"As far as the council is concerned, Huncoat is just another dumping ground."

MP Greg Pope added: "I am extremely disappointed that the ministry decided not to call in this decision.

"People would have been more comfortable if the final decision was taken by an individual body."

It is thought that work will not be able to start at the site for at least another year.

Coun Paul Gott, of Huncoat ward, said: "It will affect village life and probably destabalise the community."

The waste transfer station is part of a £75million project to revolutionise rubbish collection across the county.

A network of transfer stations will all but replace traditional landfill sites.