The Coalite Works closed after more than 100 years

Objectors claim the development in Bolsover, Derbyshire, would cause pollution and hit the town's growing tourist trade.

Project bosses, Anglo Utd Environmental, said emissions would not escape from the plant. Plans go before the county council later this year.

B&B owner Sonia Smith said: "If this site goes ahead it's a real body blow."

'Tourist destination'

Ms Smith added: "It's a turning point. The coalite's gone, the pits have closed so we are entering a new phase in Bolsover history.

"We want it to become a tourist destination and that's what we are working hard to achieve."

The proposals would see the former Coalite Works, which have been there for more than a century, make way for a new plant.

About 1,000 people have signed a petition against it.

Bolsover District Council has objected to the plans as it fears the development could cause hazardous waste.

The pits have all been grassed over... and then we have this devastating news Bolsover resident Jeff Davies

The planning application will be decided by Derbyshire County Council later this year.

Town resident Jeff Davies said: "There's a lot of public money being put into the valley.

"It's all being sorted out, it's starting to look splendid.

"The pits have all been grassed over, there's hundreds of people walking down there and then we have this devastating news."

A spokesperson for Anglo Utd Environmental said they believed the plans met government guidance on building recycling plants.

They added: "It's a clean technology that we propose and the sterilisation takes place within a sealed vessel and so prevents any emissions... that might cause nuisance."