PLANS for a controversial animal incinerator plant are likely to go ahead on the edge of a popular North-East tourist spot, despite health fears.

The development, an extension to an existing knacker's yard, would place two 50ft chimneys on a hillside above Hamsterley Forest, a popular haven for walkers and nature lovers in County Durham.

Campaigners, led by Dr David Bellamy, who lives at nearby Bedburn, and other leading scientists have raised fears over the safety of emissions from the plant.

If it goes ahead the development at Eden Hall, on the edge of Hamsterley village, near Bishop Auckland, would burn up to 15 wagon loads of carcasses a day, seven days a week.

And Government officials would press it into use if there is another outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease.

It would be the only one between Pickering, in the south, and Dumfries, in Scotland, and would be monitored by an independent agency supervised by Teesdale District Council.

Many of the carcasses would be cattle slaughter because they are over 30 months old and are considered a BSE risk.

Food scientist Professor Richard Lacey warned last night that no one can be sure whether humans can inhale infection. He said that incinerators should never be built within a mile of people's homes.

Objectors have also raised fears over the smoke emissions which contain tiny particles - called particulates - that can be a risk in sufficient quantities.

However, Durham County Council's head of planning John Suckling reports that the emissions would be within Government guidelines. He says there is no risk to health and is recommending councillors to approve the development when they meet on April 2.

Mr Suckling also says it would safeguard existing jobs and benefit the local economy by providing extra employment opportunities.

The National Farmers' Union supports the project, saying that any infection risk would be negligible. Forest Enterprise, which runs the forest, has not commented.

Objector Jonathan Peacock said last night: "We think that if this county is serious about developing its tourist and holiday trade, it makes no sense to put two industrial chimneys in the face of visitors to Hamsterley Forest.

"There are going to be two industrial chimneys looking right over the forest and in full view of visitors

"We are not confident that any infection will be destroyed in the incineration process. The Government has not been able to give us any assurance on the safety of BSE."

Owner John Warren could not be contacted last night