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Plans for a giant incinerator in Plymouth have been approved by city councillors after a lengthy planning meeting.

MVV Environment, which will run the energy-from-waste plant, said the incinerator will burn 245,000 tonnes per year of rubbish from Plymouth, Devon and Torbay.

The proposals for the plant at naval base at North Yard in Devonport were voted through by seven votes to five yesterday (22 December) during the meeting, which lasted for more than five hours.

Paul Carey, managing director of MVV Environment Devonport, a wholly owned subsidiary of German company of MVV Umwelt, said: "The decision marks a milestone in the development of our project after three years of very detailed planning and serious discussion.

"Now that we have a positive decision, we want to assure those who have expressed reservations or opposition that we are not complacent. We intend to be in Plymouth and serving the South West for many years and it is incumbent on us to prove we can be good neighbours and to win people's trust."

The approval is subject to the signing of a Section 106 agreement, which includes setting up a community fund and dealing with matters of public concern such as extra traffic and possible health implications.

Seven Conservatives voted for the plans at the meeting, with five Labour councillors opposing.

Two letters were received from local MPs in relation to the controversial proposals. Alison Seabeck MP (Plymouth Moor View, Labour) objected on grounds of proximity to schools and homes, increase in noise, commercial viability and air quality.

The location, close to the naval base and major road network, makes it an ideal site, said Gary Streeter MP (South West Devon, Conservative) in support.

Other objections from the public and environmental groups included the plant's proximity to nearby homes, general pollution, noise and smell concerns, the impact on tourism and possible terrorist attacks.

MVV intends to start construction of the plant in spring 2012, with commissioning of the plant expected to take place in 2014.