A SPECIALLY formed committee has been called in for the first time to decide whether or not to grant a licence for an animal carcass incinerator in Astwood Bank.
The enforcement committee, which will consist of five Redditch councillors, is due to meet within the next six weeks for a "court" -style showdown.
The controversial plans to operate a round-the-clock incinerator at the rear of Astwood Bank First School have sparked massive concern from villagers who have been campaigning against it for months.
Council Leader David Cartwright said: "Environmental health officers can approve a licence but they can't refuse one.
"If it's refused, it has to go to a special committee."
Mr Cartwright said the council was yesterday asking bosses of Popes Lane By-Products, the company behind the incinerator plans, for an extension to the original decision deadline of November 1.
He said: "If they say 'no' the decision will go to the Secretary of State and will take months.
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