CONTROVERSIAL plans to build a multi-million pound renewable energy centre in Westbury have been put on hold after Wiltshire Council asked developers to supply more information about its effect on the environment last week.

Northacre Renewable Energy Limited, which is part of the Hills Group, submitted an application to build a renewable centre on land between their current site and neighbouring Arla Foods Westbury Dairies in Stephenson Road in December last year.

A decision was due on the application on April 13, but in a document sent to Hills Group on May 7, the council said that further information was required in order for the application to achieve compliance with the requirements of the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2011.

The centre, which could create 40 new jobs as well as 80 construction jobs while it is built, would be used to generate electricity and heat by treating household rubbish in a process called gasification.

There are historic concerns about the burning of waste in Westbury, specifically regarding emissions from the former Lafarge cement factory when it was operating in the town.

At one time the factory burned household waste which was then used in the cement manufacturing process, with plumes of smoke drifting over the area.

At a public consultation held in November, Hills Group confirmed that the proposed chimney at the centre would be 60m tall, which is half the size of that of the former cement plant.

It was also agreed at the consultation that emissions would be monitored by the Environment Agency to ensure it complies with agreed limits stipulated in its environmental permit.

It must now supply information which details the potential effects of the centre on the town's historic environment including an in-depth heritage impact assessment.

Hills Group now has until next Friday (May 22) to supply the requested information for it to be presented at Wiltshire Council’s strategic planning Committee for determination on July 15.

If the application is approved in July, Hills Group hopes to build and commission the facility in 2016 with the centre being fully operational in 2017.