Cornwall faced being taxed �100m for landfill costs

The county, which has been discussing the plans for four years, produces 440,000 tonnes of waste each year and landfill space is running out.

Some councillors had called new members to be given time to gather more information, but were told delays could cost �100m in added landfill tax.

Companies from Spain and France are competing for the 25-year contract.

No site has been chosen for the incinerator, but some residents have already expressed concerns about lorries and pollution.

It will probably not be built until 2009 or 2010.