In a meeting on Monday night, Wrexham council's planning committee agreed it needed another visit to the site before deciding whether it has any major objections to the plan.

Ian Lucas MP: Objects to scheme

Last week, the Welsh Assembly Government decided to hold a public inquiry into the proposed site, which could handle thousands of tonnes of waste each year.

Although the final decision on the project will be made by ministers in Cardiff, Wrexham council's planning committee will pass its findings on to an independent investigator.

Following the visit, which will take place on 15 November, the committee will be seeking to put forward any major concerns that it wishes the inspector to consider.

The investigator will be appointed by the assembly for the public inquiry process next year.

The proposal for the incinerator was made by Portugese-based firm HLC, but has faced fierce criticism from local people on health grounds.

Wrexham MP Ian Lucas said the planning aspect of the scheme was a matter for the local authority.

But he said he was pleased a public inquiry, which could overrule any council decision, was also taking place.

"I am concerned about the scheme's propensity to favour incineration rather than recycling," he said.

"It is a matter that needs to be explored fully,"

'Wasting money'

The application was called in for further investigations by Welsh Environment Minister Sue Essex in February this year.

The inquiry will give people the chance to voice their opinions.

Last week, Wrexham AM John Marek urged the council to abandon the plan immediately.

Wrexham AM John Marek wants the plan scrapped

"It would be irresponsible of the council to go ahead and waste council tax money, " he said.

"This inquiry could cost hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Chris Pilsbury from TCC, a coalition of community groups opposed to the scheme, has welcomed an inquiry.

"It will give people the chance to tell the inspector how they really feel," she said.

Hundreds of objection letters and a petition with more than 13,000 signatures objecting to the scheme was sent to Wrexham council in January.

Many people fear the facility, which would be built on the Wrexham Industrial Estate, would have health implications.

The local council has said improvements have to be made for waste collection in the county.

If the incinerator was given the go ahead, the new plant could deal with 120,000 tonnes of waste each year.