BATTLE will recommence between anti-incinerator campaigners and the multinational waste firm hoping to build the controversial facility on November 19.

That is the date which has now been fixed for the start of Urbaser Balfour Beatty’s crucial appeal.

The company saw its application for the Javelin Park incinerator unanimously rejected by Gloucestershire County Council’s planning committee in March after members voiced concerns about its visual impact on the surrounding AONB.

A 20-day planning inquiry presided over by a government-inspector will now consider whether or not the £500 million scheme should go ahead, with the secretary of state Eric Pickles set to make the final decision on the project next summer.

GCC has already signed a 25-year contract with UBB for the waste-disposal facility and will consequently have to cover a significant proportion of the company’s costs at appeal.

Javier Peiro, project director for Urbaser Balfour Beatty (UBB), said the company welcomed the planning inspectorate’s confirmation of dates for the public inquiry.

"We continue to work towards the inquiry after which the planning inspector will prepare a report setting out his recommendations," he said.

Anti-incinerator campaigners from GlosVAIN are currently trying to raise £25,000 so they can employ a planning expert to put across their case at the inquiry.

Individuals have already pledged more than £6,000 to help the group but more contributions are needed. To donate go to www.glosvain.info