Campaigners lose bid to block plans for a 450-million-pound incinerator near Bedford

Campaigners say they are disappointed after losing their bid to block plans for a 450-million-pound incinerator near Bedford.

Waste firm Covanta will be allowed to build the plant at Rookery Pit in Stewartby - after the Court of Appeal rejected a challenge from campaigners who've been long-standing opponents.

Meanwhile, the firm has said the incinerator could generate enough low-carbon energy to power up to 65,000 homes.

The Bedfordshire Against Covanta Incinerator group said they had done "everything possible under the Judicial Review process."

Councillor for Elstow, Stewartby and Kempston Hardwick Tim Hill said:“This is a terrible blow for a community that has come together and fought so hard against the dreadful Covanta plans.

"Huge thanks to Bedfordshire Against Covanta Incinerator and everyone who has been part of the campaign against this vastly oversized incinerator."