Campaigners against an £11million food waste plant are still hopeful of halting the plans, despite construction starting seven months ago.

Tamar Energy has been building the factory to the north of the Bluebridge Industrial Estate, in Colchester Road, Halstead, since June.

But opponents, who believe Essex County Council (ECC) did not consult residents properly on the plans, are still hopeful of stopping the project.

Jennie Sutton, district councillor for Halstead St Andrews, said: “We have got something in hand and we are hoping to get a reply from the government department, but we won’t know until next week whether our application will be successful.

“Attempts are being made 100 per cent, but I can’t say anything more because I don’t want to jinx what we have done.”