Government officials were urged today to call in plans for a £60 million incinerator proposed for the outskirts of Shrewsbury amid strong concerns about the project.

Senior members of Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council have written to the Government Office of the West Midlands asking for the application to be called in before Shropshire Council considers it.

One of the councillors has also called for Veolia Environmental Services’ plans for an energy-from-waste facility at Battlefield to be refused.

It is claimed it could generate enough power to supply 10,000 homes and help to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill to only five per cent.

But Councillor Peter Nutting, SABC leader, and other councillors are concerned the application will be heard by Shropshire Council – the same authority which will control the waste contract with Veolia. There are concerns this will mean there is a conflict of interest.

And residents are also concerned about the perceived health risks associated with the scheme.

Councillor Nutting has submitted a motion to SABC members to urge the Government to call the application in. He said: “I will not comment on the merits of the applications, other than to say they are causing much protest and debate at local level, particularly in relation to environmental considerations.”

Nick Taylor, assistant director economy and strategy with Shropshire County Council, said: “It is important to stress that the council’s planning committee has a completely independent role and will determine the application on its merits.”