Controversial proposals to build three incinerators on the outskirts of Ipswich have passed another hurdle.

SUFFOLK: Controversial proposals to build three incinerators on the outskirts of Ipswich have passed another hurdle.

The county council yesterday voted to send its waste strategy to the government's planning inspectorate which will organise a public inquiry during 2010.

That will give people the chance to have their say on proposals to build up to four incinerators to handle waste that cannot be recycled.

And three of them could be within two miles from each other on the edge of Ipswich - two at Great Blakenham and one on the site of former British Sugar plant at Sproughton.

The move has infuriated Sproughton residents who picketed the start of the meeting.

Protest organiser Alan Cotterell said: “There were proposals for a mixed development on that site which we would have supported - and people in Ipswich wanted.

“But Babergh said no and now they're proposing to build an incinerator on the site. It is just at the bottom of the garden for many of us living on Hadleigh Road in Sproughton.”

Liberal Democrat environment spokesman John Field represents Blakenham and Claydon and said it was appalling that three of the proposed sites were so close - and on the outskirts of Ipswich.

“Even if you accept the principle of incineration that does not seem right,” he said.

And Labour group leader Sandy Martin distrusted experts who said incineration was safe. “People were told asbestos factories were safe until they learned better,” he said.

Council planning spokesman Guy McGregor said and emissions from the incinerator would be filtered and there would be no danger.

It was a safe technology used to provide both power and light across Europe.

“There should be no concerns about this - but it is only the start of the process,” he added.