BCB Environmental Ltd plans to build a controversial thermal treatment plant 500 metres upwind from Tockwith which it says will produce enough electricity to power 10,000 homes through burning domestic and non-hazardous waste.

But local borough councillor, John Savage (Con, Marston Moor), strongly opposes the plans – which many residents fear will damage their health – and has challenged BCB to put itself up for further scrutiny.

The challenge comes following an exclusive interview with BCB's managing director, Phil Boardman, which appeared in the Wetherby News two weeks ago.

Speaking at a Tockwith Parish Council meeting last Wednesday, Coun Savage said: "The Environment Agency has urged BCB to submit a Pollution Planning and Control Permit application for this plant to be dealt with alongside this planning application.

"BCB have repeatedly refused to do this without giving any good reason for their attitude. If Mr Boardman really is an eco-warrior, then he should have no fear of the scrutiny that a permit application would bring. Perhaps it is now time for him to put his green credentials on the table."

BCB Environmental Management Ltd has always maintained its planned thermal treatment plant is about landfill diversion and should be recognised as a renewable energy source.

The company says its existing Environmental Permit will be amended accordingly.

It says it is working very closely with the Environment Agency alongside the best experts in the UK to develop its innovative project.

BCB's managing director is adamant there is no risk of any hiccups with the proposed technology and if the plant's system was to break down BCB would not be allowed to operate.

BCB's parent company, AWP Environmental Ltd, has already secured £6m funding for the proposed £18m energy from waste plant.

If BCB's plans get the go-ahead from North Yorkshire County Council around September, a further £12m of funding will be provided by a major bank in the form of long-term senior debt.

susannah.berry@ypn.co.uk