HUGE plans for a low carbon energy facility in Christchurch look set to be approved - despite "grave" concerns from community groups and hundreds of residents.

Eco Sustainable Solutions proposal for the energy recovery facility (ERF) at Chapel Lane are set to go before BCP Council's planning committee on Tuesday.

The plans include an ERF, new administration building with offices, welfare facilities and a visitor centre as well as plans to re-position the green waste composting to east of the site.

There will be be new access to Chapel Lane to serve the administration and welfare building and car park.

And despite planning officers admitting the proposed development "as a whole" is "considered to constitute inappropriate development in the green belt", the proposal has been recommended for approval.

Objections have been received from Hurn Parish Council, Ferndown Town Council and West Parley Parish Council - who both strongly object - and 719 residents.

They centre on pollution concerns over increased traffic and the emissions stack, health worries, environmental issues including the impact on wildlife and the negative impact on climate change.

Many also objected over the unacceptable use of the green belt.

There are four letters of support.

In their report to the committee, officers said: "It is considered that very special circumstances do exist that outweigh the potential harm to the purposes of the green belt, by reason of inappropriateness and all other identified harms, justifying a grant of planning permission."

It says there are no alternative suitable sites in the area and the reduction in "waste miles" over transporting the materials is a key consideration.

The facility is also considered to have a net positive climate impact.

However, officers do accept there will be an adverse impact on the landscape should the proposal go ahead, saying: "The likely harm to the landscape character and visual effects on the landscape are clearly significant and therefore of some substance in the overall planning balance."

Concerns over the impact of increased traffic on the surrounding roads, is also dismissed as it is not expected to result in a "severe impact".

A number of conditions have been proposed should permission be granted at Tuesday's committee.