A controversial £200 million waste incinerator will be built in Wiltshire after it was given the go-ahead on appeal.

The scheme in Westbury faced huge opposition from the people of the town and was voted down by Wiltshire Council.

But Stephen Normington of the government's Planning Inspectorate announced his decision on Tuesday to allow the appeal by Northacre Renewable Energy Ltd, subject to a string of conditions to be imposed by the Environment Agency.

A decision on costs will be made separately.

The joint venture company had appealed against the council’s failure to give notice within the prescribed period of a decision on its application for planning permission.

Wiltshire Council had refused NREL planning permission in June last year on the grounds that the proposed development would generate substantial net carbon dioxide into the atmosphere over its lifetime and thereby failed to assist in the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions.

Campaigners who have objected to the scheme said the decision was a “dark day” for not only Westbury but the whole of West Wiltshire.

Cllr Mike Sutton, the deputy mayor of Westbury, said: “The decision by the planning inspector to allow the appeal and therefore the building of a monstrous incinerator close to hundreds of homes, is very disappointing and a dark day not only for Westbury but the whole of West Wiltshire.

“Westbury Town Council has fought hard and supported local residents throughout this long-drawn-out process and although permission has been granted, we will continue to hold all parties to account in the coming months and years.

“It is said by some that this was a battle difficult to win but it is part of the human spirit that we fight against injustice and perceived wrongs and that was demonstrated in all those who have taken part in the fight against what will become a blight on our local landscape.

“Lack of clear government policy and commitment to environmental targets allowed this application to progress through a process where dealing with the problem of waste is put before human health.

“This decision further demonstrates the damage that can be done by government’s failure to acknowledge that incineration is not the long-term answer to waste disposal.

“Wiltshire Council’s planning committee eventually ruled against the building of this incinerator and Westbury Town Council will continue to work with and seek support from all agencies to improve the lives of residents impacted most by the increased traffic and pollution Northacre Renewable Energy will bring to our town.”

Cllr Nick Botterill, the cabinet member for planning, said: “Planning permission for an energy from waste facility in Westbury has been granted by an independent Planning Inspector following an appeal by the applicant, Northacre Renewable Energy, despite our objections.

“Our Strategic Planning Committee decided in June 2022 to advise the Secretary of State that it would have refused this planning permission on the grounds that it does not represent sustainable development.

“However, the application has now gone through the full appeal process and, disappointingly, the decision has been made to allow the appeal and grant planning permission.”

Westbury councillor Matthew Dean, in whose ward the incinerator will be built, said: “This is a red letter day for Westbury.

“I am personally bitterly disappointed by the decision and, at this stage, am not confident that the planning inspector fully considered the arguments against the incinerator.

“The town is already blighted by traffic congestion and poor air quality. I will do everything I can to mitigate the worst effects of the development and ensure that residents are not inconvenienced during the construction process.”

Westbury Gasification Action Group - No Westbury Incinerator said the inspector had "overturned" local unity and objections by their local MP, parish and town councils and plus a government directive that the decision should be made locally.

South West Wiltshire MP Andrew Murrison tweeted: "Completely appalled by Planning Inspectorate decision to allow waste incinerator in Westbury. Wading through its justification and consulting on next steps."