LEADING Government official 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 asked 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 public inquiry following an appeal against Bury Council's decision to refuse the application to build the plant at Fletcher Bank Quarry, from Peel Environmental and Marshalls Mono Ltd, started last week.

A letter sent to the applicants, Bury Council and protest group Ramsbottom Against Waste Site, who are all making submissions at the inquiry, stated that the "Secretary of State considers that he should determine it himself".

The letter continued: "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."

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."

The inquiry, which is being held at Bury Town Hall, last week heard from Nichola Gannon, Bury Council's environmental consultant, who gave evidence on behalf of the authority, which is opposed to the plant.

She was questioned on the potential for odour problems at the proposed plant, and said that at a similar plant in Holstead, Essex, run by Tamar Energy, the same firm which would run the site in Ramsbottom, there had been 44 complaints about smells in the first three months that it was operational.

Miss Gannon said: "From my experience within this kind of thing, it just highlights that no matter what best practice is in place, this has resulted in an unacceptable loss and problems for the local amenity."

Mr Nuttall also spoke at the inquiry, summarising a range of complaints he had received, including fears about the future of wildlife which inhabit the site, including peregrine falcons, bats and badgers, as well as the site's proximity to the Ramsbottom Conservation Area.

In addition, the Conservative MP highlighted concerns that additional trucks will cause "constant noise" and disruption to residents, as well as the "likelihood of unpleasant odours and dust".

Fears over the risks to public health were also raised by Mr Nuttall, who said "potentially toxic particulates such as dioxins" could be emitted, with residents and those at nearby Peel Brow Primary School possibly affected.

Labour Cllr James Frith also spoke out against the proposed plant.

He said: "Ramsbottom is a brilliant and thriving town building its success with more than a nod to its heritage. It is on a journey to fulfilling its potential.

"Some of that fulfilment has been interrupted by bogus or misjudged planning applications. This original application is one such of those.

"And this subsequent appeal further suspends Ramsbottom’s right to pursue its own greatness and go on to fulfil its ambitions to a greater extent as a heritage town thriving with independent economic and cultural activity."

The inquiry continues.