A DECISION on whether a controversial waste treatment plant should be built in Hyndburn has been delayed after a row over green belt land.

Lancashire County Council was hoping to press ahead to build the treatment works at the former Huncoat power station site.

But concerns have been raised by residents and councillors that the development will have to be accessed by a road which cuts through green belt land around the village.

The Highways Agency has so far blocked any moves to allow direct access to the site from either the nearby M65, or A56.

Huncoat residents, along with Hyndburn MP Greg Pope, met Roads Minister Dr Stephen Ladyman last night in Westminster to discuss the issue.

And he has pledged to look again at protesters' concerns.

Reid Lewis, from Huncoat Voice, met with Dr Ladyman.

He said: "Dr Ladyman was supportive and was prepared to listen.

"He has asked the Highways Agency to review its options for the access road.

"The meeting was very encouraging."

That came after councillors on the county's development control committee said they needed to discuss the issue again with highways officials to see if a solution can be found.

At a meeting to discuss the planning application yesterday morning it was decided to defer the decision until the next meeting in March.

The move was welcomed by local residents who have formed the protest group, Huncoat Voice, to campaign against the waste plant.

Paul Gott, of James Street, Huncoat, said: "I think it is inevitable that the waste treatment works is going to be built at the site, but the issue of the road cutting through green belt land is one that we strongly oppose and I'm glad that they are looking at it.

"The deferral gives us a chance to talk to the Highways Agency and Government ministers, and share our concerns with them."

The plan has been submitted by the county council as part of its drive to increase recycling and reduce the amount of landfill waste.

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

The plant would be less than a mile from the existing Whinney Hill tip, and would be accessed by a new road built from Burnley Road. Mr Gott added: "We are trying to regenerate our area. This isn't a case of 'not in my back yard', we just haven't got a back yard big enough for two bins."

At the meeting, Coun Matthew Tomlinson said: "As a plant, I find it quite acceptable. It is the right site in the right place.

"I am not against this proposal and I do not want to get residents' hopes up, but we need a deferral to look into this destruction of green belt land."