THE company given council approval to build a waste to energy incinerator in Keighley has insisted that the facility will adhere to strict environmental rules.

Endless Energy Ltd, which has faced fierce criticism from opponents who warn that the incinerator will pollute the Aire Valley, has commented in the wake of a Government decision not to call-in the scheme for further scrutiny.

Endless Energy says its Energy Recovery Facility (ERF) for the former gasworks site off Airedale Road will use what it calls "Refuse Derived Fuel", (RDF) which will be pre-treated before arriving at the site.

It explains this material will include mostly non-recyclable waste that would otherwise have to go to landfill.

A spokesman for the firm said: "This will be used to create sustainable, low-carbon energy and will also create up to 300 construction jobs and 79 permanent positions once operational.

“Our plans will breathe new life into this former industrial site, delivering up to £150 million worth of investment into Bradford and helping invigorate the local economy.

“The plans for the site have sustainability at the very core.

"By creating an energy hub in Keighley we will not only regenerate a derelict brownfield site, but will also create hundreds of new jobs, divert waste from landfill and generate low carbon energy.

“As a former gasworks, this site was once at the heart of providing energy to the surrounding communities and we’re pleased to be bringing forward its regeneration.”

Endless Energy has added that its development will help divert around 100,000 tonnes of Refuse Derived Fuel waste away from landfill each year, creating enough energy to potentially power the equivalent of up to 20,000 homes.

Responding to campaigners' criticism of its proposals, the company's spokesman said: “Any new development can cause some concern, however we’d like to assure people that this will be a modern, well-run and tightly regulated facility.

"It will meet the highest standards of performance and is designed to operate well within some of Europe’s strictest environmental limits, particularly with regard to emissions.

"This will be subject to continuous monitoring at the site and will be tightly controlled by the Environment Agency.”

The business says jobs to be created as part of the facility will range from drivers to waste management staff.

It notes that its plans also include provision for an additional 99 office-based jobs on the site.

The spokesman said: “We’re committed to delivering real benefits in Keighley, and will put in place an apprenticeship and training programme to ensure the local workforce can take advantage of the new jobs on offer.

"We’ll be taking part in local jobs fairs, working with local agencies and encouraging people in the area to apply for positions when they become available.”