Pressure is mounting on the Government to hold an inquiry into plans for a waste incinerator.

Lewes MP Norman Baker has demanded the proposals be looked at again before a final decision is made.

He has written to Secretary of State Ruth Kelly urging her to call in East Sussex County Council's decision to approve the incinerator at Newhaven.

Mr Baker said: "This proposed incinerator is being forced upon the people of Newhaven by the Conservative county council which has refused to listen to the concerns of local residents and the many reasoned arguments against it."

Veolia Environmental Services applied for planning permission for an incinerator to deal with household waste. East Sussex County Council decided last month it was "minded to permit" the application, subject to referral to the Secretary of State and her deciding not to call it in. Landfill sites in Beddingham and Pebsham are expected to be full by 2009 or earlier.

Mr Baker writes: "I feel I would not be performing my duty if I did not ask you to call in this planning application for your own determination. This is a matter of heightened importance as the development will be sited in close proximity to the Sussex Downs AONB and the proposed South Downs National Park.

"This would not only have the effect of directly damaging the natural environment through pollution. The visual impact of the development would also damage the natural aesthetic of the surrounding area, further damaging the local economy which at present benefits greatly from tourism."

Last week Green MEP Caroline Lucas wrote to the Government arguing the decision should be reversed, claiming a waste incinerator would increase pollution, traffic and greenhouse gas emissions.

Defenders of the Ouse Valley and Estuary said at least 648 emails had been sent by the public asking for an inquiry.

A spokeswoman for Veolia said: "The energy recovery facility is a more resourceefficient and environmentally sustainable disposal solution than landfill. We await with interest the response of Ruth Kelly to the request to have the Newhaven energy recovery facility called in."

A spokesman for East Sussex County Council said: "We are confident we have followed the correct procedure in assessing this planning application and gave due consideration to every representation during the process."