CONTROVERSIAL plans to build a 150,000-tonne waste processing plant in south Liverpool were thrown out by planners yesterday.

The company behind the scheme was told it would be “ruinous” for the regeneration of Garston if it was allowed to go ahead.

But Jack Allen Holdings said last night it believed it had strong grounds for a successful appeal.

The Daily Post understands it has appointed a barrister to advise it on a possible formal challenge.

The firm wanted to use the facility, in Stalbridge Dock, to process domestic and commercial waste, which would be sorted and “baked” at high temperatures.

Clean metals and plastics would then be recycled, while any organic matter would be turned into fibre to use as fuel.

The application went before Liverpool Council’s planning committee yesterday.

A report said the plant’s “use and perception” would “have a detrimental impact on the regeneration of Garston”.

It added: “As such, the development would prejudice the delivery of existing and future housing and regeneration in the area.”

A host of objectors also spoke out against the plans.