Hyndburn MP Greg Pope has called for Cabinet minister Ruth Kelly to make the final decision on plans to build a controversial waste plant in Huncoat.

He has written to Keith Barnes, the regional director of the Government Office North-West asking him to call in the plans, which were officially given the go-ahead by Lancashire County Council.

This would mean that Mrs Kelly, who took over responsibility for Communities and Local Government from Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, would have to reconsider the scheme in the light of wider regional transport and environmental considerations.

The scheme would see a waste technology park built on the site of the village's former power station, including a composting facility, a biological treatment facility, and buildings to sort and store waste.

It will also adjoin the existing Whinney Hill landfill site.

A new link road will also be built, cutting across vital green belt land between Accinton and Burnley, in a move which has deeply angered local campaigners, already unhappy about the plant which will be the second large waste facility in the area, along with nearby Whinney Hill Tip.

Mr Pope's letter said: "I believe the implications of this application are far wider then merely local concerns.

"I believe that the application needs to be seen in the wider context of the strategic use of our motorway network including the M65, the development not just of the former power station site but also the adjacent lanfill site, the protection of precious greenbelt and possible access and egress arrangements from either the M56 or A56.'' Mr Pope said: "There are particular problems because of the existence of Whinney Hill.

"It certainly should not go ahead without a direct access from the M56 which could serve both the new waste centre and Whinney Hill removing heavy goods traffic from local roads.

"We do not want to see a new road cutting through valuable green belt between Accrington and Burnley subjecting residents to constant nuisance from heavy lorries rumbling past at all hours."

Roy Cheetham, chairman of the Huncoat Community Forum, said: "The existence of Whinney Hill landfill is no excuse for damaging more of our area. Our historic garden will become the rubbish centre of the region.

"It will deepen Huncoat's grievance and foster deep resentment of Lancashire County Council for decades to come. This isn't the right place for the development, it isn't a suitable location."

When the plan was approved, the county council decided that it was necessary, and former Huncoat power station was the best location put forward for the development.