WINCHESTER’S MP has raised concerns about plans for a new incinerator just outside of the district during a debate in the House of Commons.

Steve Brine MP criticised the Wheelabrator plan for the facility at Barton Stacey, which has been described by campaigners as “nearly the same size as Battersea Power Station” and “absolutely ridiculous”, as MPs were discussing the regulation of the incineration of waste.

As previously reported, more than 2,500 people have signed a petition against the plans, which will be decided by the secretary of state Greg Clark and would see it built on just over a mile west of Bullington Cross.

The business claims the facility will be able to process 450,000 tonnes of waste a year which will power around 110,000 homes.

Mr Brine spoke out against the planned development which, while in the constituency of neighbouring MP for Romsey Caroline Nokes, has caused widespread concern among his own constituents living in the villages across Wonston and Micheldever.

Mr Brine said: “Given that incineration is not recycling and the proposals would lead to countless lorry movements just to feed the machine, it would be good to hear from the minister about where the Government see incineration in the hierarchy of waste management.”

As previously reported, residents have formed the ‘Keep Test Valley Beautiful’ action group against the facility that could be seen from up to 18 miles away when built.

Andy Jolliffe, a resident from Longparish who is spearheading the campaign, said: “It’s really difficult to appreciate the sheer scale of what’s being planned.

“Hampshire already has three waste stations, and if it was necessary to build another this big, why in the countryside?”

If approved, construction is expected to begin next March.