THE final decision on whether a £117 million incinerator should be built in mid Cornwall will be left to the Secretary of State John Denham to determine, not a planning inspector.

The planning inspectorate has indicated that the final decision will be made by the Secretary of State because "the appeal involves proposals for development of major importance having more than local significance".

The planning inspector will put together a report from the public inquiry into the plans for the Cornwall Energy Recovery Centre (CERC) which is set to be held in March 2010. The report will be passed on to Mr Denham to make a final judgement.

Waste company Sita has lodged an appeal against the former Cornwall County Council's decision to refuse planning permission for the CERC at a site in St Dennis, near St Austell, earlier this year.

The energy from waste plant was a major part of the waste management contract which Sita has with Cornwall Council.

Local campaign group St Dennis Anti-Incinerator Group (STIG) is now hoping the Secretary of State will visit the proposed site before making a decision.

Both STIG and St Dennis Parish Council are planning to have an active role in the appeal process by applying for representation at the hearing.

The deadline for residents or concerned parties to file any objections or comments further to those already made is November 6. Letters can be addressed to Alan Ridley at Temple Quay House, The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol, BS1 6PN.