CAMPAIGNERS fighting plans for an incinerator in Kidderminster are celebrating today after Worcestershire County Council's decision to throw plans out was upheld at an appeal.

The decision by the Planning Inspectorate follows a four-year campaign by residents desperate to block the development.

"Our reaction is one of extreme pleasure. We're very glad that Kidderminster is going to be spared this incinerator," said Liz Davies, leader of Kidderminster Town Council.

"We are happy the people of Wyre Forest are not going to be subjected to this incinerator.

"We're pleased that our original thoughts have been vindicated."

Last April, members of the authority's planning committee voted 11-2 to reject plans for the household waste incinerator, earmarked for the British Sugar site, on Stourport Road.

But Severn Waste Service appealed against the decision and the Planning Inspectorate was called in to make the final ruling.

A statement on the company's website posted last night said the company would consider what action to take next.

"Over the next few weeks, the company will be carefully considering the grounds on which the appeal has been rejected before deciding what actions to take."

George Lord, leader of Worcestershire County Council, said there would be people who were disheartened and people who relieved by the decision.

"We are satisfied that Her Majesty's Inspectorate has upheld our planning committee's decision," he said.

The council's contract with Severn Waste Services will continue, he revealed.

"But it will now be very difficult to meet Government targets for waste disposal and recycling in Worcestershire and Herefordshire," he said.

"It's staggering to me that the public perception of risk should be a material consideration in the planning decision.

"If that become a principle throughout the country you can imagine what might happen whenever there is a public perception of risk - there will be planning applications thrown out left, right and centre.

"This throws into question every planning application."