A PUBLIC inquiry into plans to build an incinerator on the former Rufford Colliery in Rainworth is waiting on a potentially "show-stopping" piece of evidence.

Notts County Council told the inspector it could withdraw its support for Veolia Environmental Services Nottinghamshire's plans if Natural England indicated it was likely to classify the site as a Special Protection Area (SPA) - because of the presence of protected Woodlark and Nightjar birds.

Notts Wildlife Trust put forward evidence to show that SPA classification would mean any planning permission would have to be reviewed by and potentially revoked if there is thought to be a significant effect on the integrity of the site.

The public inquiry at Rainworth village hall broke for lunch at 12.30pm and representatives from all sides were seeking to get a written indication from Natural England on whether it was likely to be classed as an SPA.

It is hoped they could get that sometime today.