The company behind plans for an incinerator near King's Lynn has submitted a planning application.

In a public notice which appears in today's EDP, Cory Wheelabrator states it wants to build an 'energy from waste' facility at the Willows Business park, Saddlebow.

Norfolk County Council - currently the authority which will decide the scheme - said the application would now be validated, before going out to public consultation.

The notice states the plant would have an 85m high chimney, a recycling area for bottom ash and a visitor centre to 'promote education and greater awareness relating to waste issues'.

A bitter battle has been raging over the incinerator since the county council voted to press ahead and award the contract for the scheme - despite a poll carried out by West Norfolk council in which more than 65,000 people living in the area voted against the incinerator.

Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman has written to the county council saying she is 'concerned' at public opposition to the plan.

The EDP understands Mrs Spelman also said the �169m PFI (private finance initiative) deal intended to fund the plant should not go ahead until the county council can show 'broad public consensus'.

Politicians including MPs Henry Bellingham and Elizabeth Truss have called for a rethink, with Norfolk looking to increase recycling rates.

Campaigners have started legal action against the county council.

West Norfolk council has earmarked �200,000 to fund legal action against the plant.

Today Mike Knights, co-ordinator of the Farmers Campaign, said: 'We knew eventually this time was going to come.

'In response we'll be providing guidance on writing planning objection letters.

'These will be important when planning is later challlenged in the high court.'

County Hall officials believe the incinerator offers the most cost effective way to deal with Norfolk's waste.

But opponents claim there are health risks and the plant will blight homes and the surrounding countryside.

Campaigners have also started legal action against the county council.