The proposed plant could process 70,000 tonnes of refuse a year

But Douzaine Representative Michele Levrier is unhappy about the decision.

Mrs Levrier proposed a sursis to the debate on the waste to energy plant.

The sursis was aimed at stalling the discussions until the latest Solid Waste Management Plan is produced early next year, but was defeated by 19 to 31.

Cost concerns

Mrs Levrier said she feared it was going to be a massive tax burden on islanders for many years to come.

She said there would be an increase in fly-tipping and lighting bonfires because it was going to cost more to get rid of rubbish locally.

Mrs Levrier raised concerns over the cost of building an incinerator a year ago.

But members have agreed to give the project the go-ahead after being warned Guernsey could start to run out of options rubbish disposal-wise once the Mont Cuet landfill site is full.

The plant could be up and running by 2006 at Longue Hougue at a cost of about �72m.

Mrs Levrier said she was disappointed for islanders and fears they will pay the price.