Government minister Hazel Blears has backed hundreds of residents who opposed a waste facility being built in the countryside.

The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government has called in the proposal for Rivenhall Airfield, allowing a public inquiry to be held.

The controversial waste management site could be binned if a Government inspector backs opponents to the scheme.

Essex County Council (ECC) granted planning permission last month, despite only one favourable representation out of more than 800 made during public consultations.

A letter sent on behalf of Mrs Blears to ECC said: “The Secretary of State is of the opinion that the application is one that she ought to decide herself because she considers that the proposal may conflict with national policies on important matters.”

James Abbott, district councillor for Bradwell, Rivenhall and Silver End, said: “It’s really rewarding because there are times when you lose faith in the system over many issues but this is positive news and it’s great the Secretary of State has listened."

County council spokesman Michael Page said: “As the waste planning authority, Essex County Council will provide any information required by the Planning Inspectorate for the public inquiry.

“The Rivenhall site is privately owned, and the application is being carried out by the site owner, it is not supported by Essex County Council.”

Steven Smith, of Golder Associates (UK) Ltd, agents for the applicants Gent Fairhead & Co Limited, said: “The ‘call in’ is part of the open and transparent process that we have followed from the start.

“The environmental assessment, which is comprehensive and independent, has demonstrated that there is nothing in these proposals that should worry local residents.

“The facility presents a further development of the design of the original recycling and composting facility which incorporates improved environmental and technological features that reflect the need for recycling and waste treatment.”

A date for the inquiry has not been set.