WORK has begun on Gloucestershire's controversial incinerator in Javelin Park – in spite of fears it will be hazardous to public health.

Gloucestershire County Council boasts that the Urbaser Balfour Beatty (UBB) facility will power 25,000 homes, reduce carbon emissions by 40,000 tonnes and save the county more than £150 million.

The beginning of the work comes after years of friction over the plans, with anti-incinerator campaigners warning of the danger it would have on people’s health in nearby areas.

Initial work is underway to install new fencing around the mass-burn incinerator site. Temporary roads for construction vehicles, new drainage and installation of office accommodation for staff will follow.

The facility is expected to be fully operational in late 2019.

Cllr Ray Theodoulou, cabinet member for waste, said: “This is a major step forward towards our aim of 70 per cent recycling and will make a massive reduction in Gloucestershire’s carbon emissions.

“Treating Gloucestershire’s rubbish that can’t be recycled in a clean and efficient way while generating electricity at the same time will save taxpayers money.”

The council signed a contract with UBB to build the incinerator in Javelin Park, near Haresfield, in February 2013.

The county’s authority was given the go ahead to build the incinerator despite a protracted battle against the development and a legal challenge from Stroud District Council.

Campaign groups like GlosVAIN rallied against the development plans, raising serious concerns about the impact to public health.

Sue Oppenheimer, chairman of the campaign group, urged the council to hold off on development until more was known about the impact of mass-burn incineration.

She said: “The particulates created from the emissions of incineration are a known health hazard. The substances emitted are well known for their health effects, such as cancer causing dioxins.

“While some research exists claiming that incineration is a safe technology, other research claims it to be a dangerous technology – especially with increased levels of infant mortality. I think where such doubt exists we must urge caution and not risk damaging people's health.

“This is not least because over 20,000 children attend school within five miles of the planned site of the incinerator.”

UBB dismissed the claims that incineration was dangerous.

Their project director Javier Peiro said: “The Environment Agency raised no concerns with UBB’s proposals awarding an Environmental Permit, and will continue to monitor the facility through construction, commissioning and operational phases of the project,” he said.

Gloucestershire’s aim is to recycle 70 per cent of its household waste with remaining 30 per cent being dealt with at Javelin Park.