AN ATTEMPT to discuss plans for a waste incinerator at Devonport North Yard is being blocked by Plymouth City Council, claims Labour group leader Tudor Evans.

Mr Evans' area committee last week asked the South West Devon Waste Partnership to attend its meeting next week.

The partnership represents Plymouth, Torbay and Devon councils, which together are commissioning a £100million waste incinerator.

Last week the choice of sites was narrowed down to one at North Yard and another at New England Quarry south of Lee Mill.

The Ham and St Budeaux area committee, comprising councillors from the two city wards, was told by the council's monitoring officer that discussing the subject would not be appropriate because of the existing consultation process and the imminent city elections.

"The date of the area committee is two days into what is termed the purdah or pre-election period, which means that while the business of the council should continue as far as possible, every effort is made to avoid putting controversial issues on agendas wherever possible," a city council spokeswoman said.

Mr Evans responded: "This is just absurd." He said it was 'a mighty cover-up' which would hide the Tories' intentions to support an incinerator next to three densely- populated areas in the west of Plymouth – and he said the subject would be raised anyway, in spite of the fact that no officer would be present at the meeting.

"It's an affront to democracy," said Mr Evans.

"Of course it's controversial. Of course it's an issue in the election: but that's not a reason to ban debate," he went on.

"The council stopped the Ernesettle anti-incinerator group STIFLE speaking at an area committee, but their battle is won because the incinerator won't be at Ernesettle.

"I know plenty of local residents who will be equally insulted their voice is to be silenced."

The council spokeswoman said the partnership was keen to engage with local communities and hear their views. It had been holding public consultations about the need to find a long-term solution to dispose of household waste.

Roadshows and consultations would continue, and bidders for the incinerator contract would hold their own exhibitions when they were in a position to do so.

"Outside of this sensitive period, we and the waste partnership will continue to engage the public and stakeholders to provide information and to understand their issues and concerns," she said.