Controversial plans to build an incinerator in north Carlisle will go in front of councillors today - and are recommended for approval.

However several concerned residents are travelling to Kendal for the meeting in the hope of persuading them to reject the scheme.

Energy company Fortum and Kingmoor Park Properties already have planning consent for an ‘energy from waste’ plant in the city.

It was originally due to use newly developing gasification technology, but after failing to secure a vital government subsidy, the firm had to rethink. It has now applied to amend the plan to a more standard incinerator, but has previously stressed it will still use some of the best technology available.

However campaigners are concerned about the changes - and the potential impact they could have on air quality across the Carlisle area.

They will today call on Cumbria County Council’s development control and regulation committee to reject the amended plan, which they feel is so different to the original it should be treated as an entirely new application.

Helen Davison, from Carlisle Residents Against Incineration (CRAIN), said they are concerned that planning officers have recommended permission be granted, despite such deep local concern.

She added that they feel there are errors in the information provided in the planning application, and want these investigated further.

“I really hope that the councillors on the planning committee will really listen to the concerns of residents.

“There are too many issues that have been raised but aren’t addressed in the planners report,” she explained.

“There are too many unanswered questions and inaccuracies. Decisions are potentially being made about a report that is inaccurate.”

She added that they would be happy to see a decision deferred until a future meeting.

Dr Davison said: “We feel its wholly inappropriate that this is being brought forward as a section 73 (amendment). It should be going through a full new planning application. We question the legality and want councillors to hear that.

“We just want them to take a step back, even if they just defer a decision for now.”

Fortum has sought to reassure residents about the emissions from the site, stressing that they would be within safe limits and monitored.