THE company Brett Waste management has withdrawn its planning application for the controversial SWERF plant in Canterbury.

The decision by the firm follows the county council's call for a sweeping review of its strategy for dealing with household rubbish.

The planning application for the solid waste to energy recycling facility was due to be considered by the county council on December 16, although there was widespread speculation it was going to be turned down.

This week Brett Waste Management managing director Alistair Finlayson said: "We believe the new review can best be achieved with nothing ruled in and nothing ruled out.

Taking the SWERF application off the table allows a completely fresh look at the options."

But he added: "Both Brett and Brightstar continue to believe that SWERF is a sound, deliverable and environmentally sustainable waste management option. It should certainly continue to be considered alongside other technologies in helping Kent to meet the tough recycling and recovery targets set by the UK Government and the EU.

"We are, of course, aware that there are a variety of waste solutions that can be considered and it is clearly important that local communities must continue to be involved in the review process to find acceptable and practical solutions to Kent's waste challenge.

"Brett Waste Management will be happy to contribute to that debate in any way it can."

Jill Pollock of NOTOXITY - one of the groups campaigning against SWERF - said: "Brett has clearly decided to jump to save face before it was pushed. Our hope now is that this new review will rule out any SWERF type technology in the future."