ERIC Pickles will decide whether the construction of an anaerobic digestion plant in Ramsbottom goes ahead rather than an independent inspector, the Government has confirmed.

The decision to "call in" the decision to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government comes after Bury North MP David Nuttall called on him to intervene.

Mr Nuttall previously said: "Given the seriousness of the implications for local residents in Ramsbottom, I am of the opinion that it warrants a decision being made by the Secretary of State himself.”

A letter sent to the applicants, Peel Environmental and Marshalls Mono Ltd, Bury Council, who refused the plans, and protest group Ramsbottom Against Waste Site, states that the "Secretary of State considers that he should determine it himself".

The letter continues: "This means that instead of writing a decision, the inspector will prepare a report and recommendation, which will be forwarded to the Secretary of State.

"The reason for this direction is that the appeal involves proposals for significant development in the Green Belt."

The majority of planning appeals are decided by inspectors, but a small amount are taken on by the Secretary of State, usually because the development is large or controversial.

For example, about 27,000 planning appeals are made every year, and in 2007, only 110 appeals were determined by the Secretary of State.

Cllr Ian Bevan, who is speaking on behalf of RAWS at the inquiry, said: "We are pleased that the Secretary of State recognises the importance of this issue to Ramsbottom residents."