Following the campaign by Lib Dem-run authorities, Conservative-run West Sussex has come round to the view that incineration is not the best option for the environment or local taxpayers.
Lib Dem-run Seaford and Newhaven Town Councils, Lewes Distr
ict Council and Seaford MP Norman Baker have opposed burning waste and have argued for increased recycling rates and anaerobic digestion for the last 10 years.
The latest news comes as campaigners continue to battle against the controversial Newhaven incinerator (right), which has been strongly opposed by many residents.
Mr Baker said, "Now even West Sussex rejects incineration while East Sussex County Council continues to bury its head in the sand. If incineration is wrong for West Sussex, why is it right for East Sussex? When will the Tories in this area start listening to reason and the people they represent?"
In July this year, the Lewes District Friends of the Earth failed in their bid to stop the incinerator.
The organisation applied for a judicial review because they said the planning committee which considered the scheme ignored long term regional recycling targets.
But the High Court ruled that the planning process was sound.
The Lewes District Friends of the Earth have now appealed to the Court of Appeal against the court's refusal to grant the judicial review into the building of the burner.
Before the appeal can be heard the Court of Appeal must give permission.
Seaford Town Council agreed last month to contribute £1,000 to the organisation if it is successful in its legal appeal.
East Sussex County Council approved the burner in November 2007 and waste contractor Veolia has begun construction works on the North Quay site.
Councillor Peter Jones, Leader of East Sussex County Council, said, "West Sussex and East Sussex are geographically different. In East Sussex two thirds of our land mass is Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty which we not allowed to do anything with. We have no holes in the ground which we can put rubbish in.
"In West Sussex they do have Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty but not as much in proportion to us, they have old chalk pits they have got holes in the ground which they can use to put rubbish in, they are not under the same sort of pressure as we are under.
"There has been an exhaustive investigation by experts and the conclusion, given that we have to dispose of waste inside the county borders, is that incineration is the only realistic option."
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