AN MP says he still hopes a controversial new incinerator scheme will have to go to a public inquiry.

The proposed plant at the old Rufford Colliery at Rainworth could create enough energy to power 15,000 homes.

But opponents of the scheme say both the location and technology are wrong.

Notts County Council is due to debate the application by waste contractor Veolia Environmental Services this Friday.

Sherwood MP Paddy Tipping wrote to Communities and Local Government Secretary Hazel Blears last month campaigning for an inquiry.

He voiced concern over a conflict of interests, in that Notts County Council also has a waste management deal with Veolia Environmental Services.

Mr Tipping said: "I have written to Hazel and spoken to officials and I have been told that they are looking seriously at my request for it to be called in [for an inquiry].

"The county council is acting as both judge and jury on this application.

"It needs to be independently looked at."

If approved by the county council, the plans will then go before the Government office of the East Midlands for a final decision.

County council planners have recommended councillors grant the application conditional planning permission. A report due to go before the planning and licensing committee states that construction would take three years and create 250 jobs.

The plant would be designed to deal with 180,000 tonnes of waste annually and would be in operation for 30 years.

Mr Tipping said: "During that time there will be changes in the way we deal with our waste.

"This application brings up a lot of big issues that really ought to be explored in public."

The application has also received objections from Newark and Sherwood District Council, the Environment Agency and Natural England.

Local campaign group People Against Incineration (PAIN) has also expressed fear of the effects of emissions on people's health and the environment.

Veolia Environmental Services says a public inquiry is not needed as it has already carried out a detailed consultation process with residents regarding the plan.

Notts County Council will consider Veolia's application to build the incinerator.

PAIN members will leave Rainworth Village Hall by coach at 9am on the day.

For more information visit their website at www.p-a-in.co.uk.

bryan.henesey@nottinghameveningpost.co.uk