Wales could run out of space to dump rubbish by 2010 it is warned

More than 370 people had opposed a planning application to extend the Pwllfawatkin tip near Pontardawe.

They claimed it could lead to traffic and health problems and have an impact of the area's environment.

But Neath Port Talbot Council had already approved the application in principle and rubber stamped the decision at a meeting on Tuesday.

Although we may have lost the war, we've won a few of the battles Councillor Mike James

The Welsh Assembly Government had ruled there were no issues that warranted its intervention.

The landfill site, between Pontardawe and Cwmgors, was opened in the mid 1970s but without the extension would have run out of space in the next year.

The council received 371 individual letters of objection and two local community councils, local environment groups and the Campaign for the Protection of Rural Wales also opposed the extension.

Pontardawe councillor Mike James said there were strong feelings in the community against the application.

"There are many concerns. One of the main worries is the state of the roads and the number of big lorries it brings into the centre of Pontardawe," he said.

Hazardous waste

Mr James said that although the application was approved, campaigners had been successful in ensuring 64 conditions were imposed.

These include a 12-year-limit on dumping, a ban on hazardous waste and limits to ensure 95% of waste taken there was produced locally.

Mr James added: "I'm very proud of the campaign and although we may have lost the war, we've won a few of the battles."

The county council accepted the extension would have a visual impact and affect traffic in the area, but said there was no evidence of any health implications.

"It was approved subject to conditions. This followed the advice from the Welsh Assembly Government that they did not wish to deal with the application themselves," said a spokeswoman.

Doubts over the future of the Tir John landfill site in nearby Swansea remain with the Environment Agency still likely to refuse an application that would increase space there.