Decisions on whether Kent should have up to two more incinerators to deal with a growing mountain of rubbish are facing an indefinite delay, county planners have admitted.

The hold-up is likely to cause more uncertainty about where planned incinerators could go and KCC says it now expects to carry out a new round of consultations.

The draft Waste Development Framework (WDF), published in 2006, outlined KCC's plans for at least two waste-to-energy incinerators and identified four sites where they could be located.

These included Richborough power station, the former Tilmanstone Colliery and the White Cliffs Business Park at Whitfield.

Campaigners in all areas have already mobilised opposition to the plans and there has been criticism over KCC's reliance on incinerators above other ways of dealing with waste, such as recycling.

County planners say work on drawing up the strategy, which will guide the way in which KCC deals with waste, has taken longer than anticipated.

Chief county planner Leigh Herrington said there was no timetable for when the strategy was likely to be agreed.

"The Waste Development Framework has proceeded slower than planned for a number of reasons. These include the need to examine proposals put forward during consultation, to update evidence and forecasts, and to take into account the targets and policies of the South East Plan. The Development Framework now also needs to include hazardous waste and waste water."

KCC also says that it will have to consider new planning regulations that come into force at the end of this month.

"That timetable has not been finalised, but will involve continuing technical work this year, followed by a new consultation on the choices to be made," said Mr Herrington.