Businesses have given a massive thumbs down to the proposed Newhaven incinerator just days ahead of a key vote on the plans.

East Sussex County Council is considering giving approval for a giant power plant in the town that would burn half of the waste produced across the region.

But now a survey of firms in the area has revealed the vast majority fear the North Quay development could put them and their workers in danger.

The report by Newhaven Chamber of Commerce, Newhaven Town Council and the Community Development Association found only four per cent of businesses back the plans.

Negative Of the 68 businesses that responded to the survey, 85 per cent said they felt the incinerator would have a negative impact on the health of themselves and their workforce.

Most believed increased congestion would cut their income, while almost one in four firms said they would consider quitting the town if it was built.

The results go against a study carried out in 2002 by the county council and Brighton and Hove City Council, which found there was no evidence to suggest there would be an adverse impact on other businesses in North Quay or elsewhere in Newhaven.

It claimed there was no food processing industry in the town but admitted the incinerator could deter potential food companies from moving in. But opponents say the claims were incorrect - and the original research could be fatally flawed.

Newhaven Chamber of Commerce president Kathy Ward said: "Several food processing businesses have been active in Newhaven for some years.

"If this point was untrue, then it may be the finding that an incinerator would not have an adverse impact on business in Newhaven may also be incorrect.

"If councillors make a decision based on this study carried out five years ago then the system is flawed."

The county council's planning committee will consider Veolia Environmental Services South Downs Ltd's application for the Energy From Waste plant next week.

The scheme has been recommended for approval, subject to referral to Ruth Kelly, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, and confirmation from her that the plans are not going to be investigated by her department.

The proposal is for a waste transfer Station, administration building, visitor centre, gatehouse and weighbridge.

Improvements to North Quay Road and access from the southern site boundary with parking and HGV servicing areas to the east of the main building are also included.

Waste from East Sussex and Brighton and Hove that is not composted or recycled would be incinerated at the site and used to generate electricity.

The planning committee will meet on Wednesday at 10am at the County Hall in Lewes.

The meeting will be broadcast live on the council's website at www.eastsussex.gov.uk/webcasts.

For more information visit www.eastsussex.gov.uk/erf.