The developer behind a huge energy generator in Swindon says it has won over one of the major objectors to the scheme.

When the planning inquiry over the Keypoint project began at Steam Museum, the Bodleian Library, which has storage facilities near the site at South Marston, was concerned,

But Rolton Kilbride, the company behind the scheme, which critics call an incinerator, said it has worked with the library, one of the most famous in the world, to assuage its fears.

A spokesman responded to questions from the Adver by pointing out a section of the inspector Melvyn Middleton’s report.

They showed the company has agreed to pay the library – part of Oxford University – to help it protect its stores of historic documents better from gasses released.

It says: “Rolton Kilbride submitted a signed deed of undertaking to pay into an account money to enable the University of Oxford to upgrade its air filtration system in the Bodleian Libraries storage facility.

“The objective is to upgrade the existing air filtration system to an extent that maintains internal air quality, with respect to the levels of acid gases in the facility’s atmosphere.”

The Bodleian Library declined to comment.

But this cut little ice with residents who will be living with incinerator on their doorstep.

Barbara Parker, who lives in Hatherall Close in Stratton, just across the A419 from the Keypoint site, said: “They’ve said they’ll help the Bodleian by cutting out more gases.

“How does that square with them telling us that there’s nothing to worry about in what we’re going to be breathing in?

Rolton Kilbride’s spokesman said: “The inspector made the point clearly during the hearing that the government’s position is that these facilities have to comply with the environmental permitting regime, are therefore safe and do not harm health or the environment.

“As a result, he took it as already accepted, and that objections on the basis of air quality, health and safety would have no bearing on his thoughts.”

The original plans for the plant were rejected by both planning officers and councillors on the planning committee at Swindon Borough Council. The planning inspector’s decision has sparked fury with residents and campaigners saying they are “appalled” and “disgusted”.

As much of the waste generated in Swindon already goes to the energy from waste plant at Waterside Park, it is possible material for the new incinerator will be brought in from London.