CONTROVERSIAL plans to build a large composting site between Hood Green and Gilroyd were pulled from a planning meeting on the instruction of a government minister.
Communities and local government minister Margaret Beckett wrote to Barnsley Council planners instructing them 'not to determine the application without special authorisation'.
Applicant Eric Danforth, of Saville Hall Farm, wants to build the 'windrow' composting plant to take green waste from Barnsley Council. The plans had been recommended for approval by council officers but were removed from the planning agenda at the 11th hour.
It is unusual for government intervention to come at such a late stage and the move has caused surprise and speculation about why Mrs Beckett stepped in.
Barnsley West and Penistone MP Mick Clapham said there had been 700 letters of objection and the plan deviated from the council's planning guidelines.
He said there was also a potential conflict of interest because Barnsley Council wants the plant to reduce the waste going to landfill but is also the authority which would approve it.
Mr Danforth was unavailable.
