The date has been set for a decision on plans to build a controversial incinerator, taking in the rubbish of four south-west London boroughs.

Sutton Council's development control committee will make a decision on an application to build and energy recovery facility (ERF) in Beddington Lane on Wednesday, April 24.

The plans, submitted by waste management company Viridor under contract from the South London Waste Partnership, made up of Sutton, Croydon, Merton and Kingston-upon-Thames.

Merton and Kingston councils, are for a plant which will take household rubbish from the four boroughs and burn it to create heat and energy for homes in the area around the site in Beddington and Hackbridge.

Opponents of the ERF say it will cause harmful pollution, that it discourages recycling and it will eventually take rubbish from all over the south of England, and even abroad, causing congestion on the roads.

But Viridor denies the claims, saying the site will produce negligible emissions and will replace a 93 acre landfill site with a three acre plant freeing up the area to be used as a nature park.

Sutton's development control committee, made up of Liberal Democrat and Conservative Councillors, will make a decision on the plans during a meeting in Sutton Library from 8pm on Wednesday, April 24.

Members of the public are welcome to attend.