PLANS to build two animal incinerators to burn foot-and-mouth carcasses were backed by councillors yesterday, despite fears over pollution.

The plans have received backing from the farming community, although people living near the planned sites have opposed the scheme.

Durham County Council will make the final decision, but members of Teesdale District Council were asked to raise any objections they had to the plans.

If the county council approves the plans, the incinerators will be built at Eden Hall, Hamsterley, County Durham, where Animal By-Products Ltd runs a knackers yard.

Councillor Frank Wilson, who lives at Toft Hill, near the site, said he realised there was a need for the incinerators, but he was worried.

He said: "I know it's a necessary evil, but I'm worried about the level of traffic and the smell of the burning cattle.

"The planning officer has said that the cremators will mean a decrease in traffic coming in and out of the yard, but I'm not convinced."

Planning officer Trevor Watson said there were no planning issues on which to refuse the application.

He said: "Whether this is approved or not it will not stop the existing business functioning there.

"What it will mean is a reduction of traffic leaving the site and taking animals elsewhere to be cremated."

Members of the council's development control committee north recommended their approval for the plans.