CAMPAIGNERS fighting controversial plans for a waste incinerator in Keighley have been given more time to have their say.

And they are urging people to use the additional period to make their views known to the Environment Agency.

The agency announced this week that the public now has until midnight on August 12 to comment on a permit application for the plant, earmarked for the former gas works site at Marley.

Consultation had already been extended until next Wednesday.

The Environment Agency, which has said it is ‘minded to issue’ the permit, reveals there have so far been more than 700 comments.

It says consultees had requested extra time to assess "the large amount of information".

Campaign group Aire Valley Against Incineration is encouraging more people to submit comments.

And it is backed by Keighley MP Robbie Moore and Philip Davies, who represents neighbouring Shipley.

Mr Davies says that to issue a permit would be “ludicrous” given existing air pollution problems in the district.

He said his concerns about current air quality had been backed-up by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, in response to a parliamentary question.

It stated Bradford was one of eight local authorities directed in 2018 to develop local plans to tackle high levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2). A clean air zone is now planned.

Mr Davies said: “It is clear that there is a problem in the area – levels of NO2 have been high for too long – so it is beyond me why the Environment Agency would even think about allowing the incinerator to go ahead.

"There is no doubt in my mind it will increase pollution and with more traffic going to the site there will be higher levels of NO2.”

Robbie Moore is a member of the cross-party Environment, Food and Rural Affairs select committee, which has launched an inquiry into air quality.

The committee is considering how the UK can emerge from the Covid-19 crisis economically whilst maintaining the lower levels of air pollution experienced during the past few months, as well as assessing the impact of poor air quality on disadvantaged communities and at-risk groups.

Mr Moore says the campaign to prevent the incinerator links-in directly with the aims of the committee’s inquiry.

He added: “I am pleased that Philip and I can work together on this as the issue will affect both of our constituencies.

“Residents who share our view that this site is not appropriate for such a development should register their objections.”

Applicant Endless Energy refutes claims the incinerator will pose any risk to people’s health.

For more about the consultation, visit consult.environment-agency.gov.uk/psc/bd21-4lw-endless-energy-limited-epr-zp3537at.

Responses can be made electronically or by post, although people are encouraged to respond electronically if possible.

People can comment on the website or email pscpublicresponse@environment-agency.gov.uk.

Envelopes containing postal responses must be clearly marked ‘Endless Energy Consultation’ and be sent to the Environment Agency, Permitting and Support Centre, Land Team, Quadrant 2, 99 Parkway Avenue, Sheffield S9 4WF.