SITA Holdings planned to build its plant in the Altens area of Aberdeen

SITA Holdings is contracted to handle the city's waste and is expected to withdraw its plans to build a giant incinerator in Altens on Thursday.

The company appealed to the Scottish Executive after it was refused planning permission by the local council but has decided not to pursue the matter.

The move has been welcomed by the local community which opposed the proposals.

A formal announcement of the move is due to be made following talks between SITA and the Aberdeen City Council.

SITA wanted to build the rubbish burning plant alongside an existing recycling plant but came up against a wall of protest.

Local councillors and residents raised concerns about the environmental impact the plant would have and said the city should put greater emphasis on recycling rather than burning its rubbish.