GASES escaping from a landfill site will now be burned off to generate enough electricity to power 2,000 homes.

The present system burns gas from the Waresley Landfill into the atmosphere, but following the EU Landfill directive, which requires landfill gas to be used, Biffa Waste Services applied to Worcestershire County Council to build the gas utilisation facility, which includes two 12m-high chimneys.

"The facility controls gas migration and the fact that it can be used to produce electricity is a nice add on," said Biffa planning manager Mary Tappenden at the county council's planning and regulatory committee meeting yesterday.

"The two one megawatt electricity engines power 2,000 homes for the life of the engine, which is about 15 years."

Councillors and representations from Wychavon District Council's officers raised concerns about the 12m-high flares proposed for the site.

"Why do we need this great big pointed finger at one end of the site," said Coun Derek Prodger, chairman of the Planning and Regulatory Committee.

However, Mrs Tappenden said this was necessary to burn the gas within the time limit set down by the Environment Agency.

Councillors' fears about light pollution were also allayed by Mrs Tappenden who confirmed the facility would not be floodlit.

Although the development is situated in a Green Belt site, planning officers said in their report the development would have no adverse environmental effects, no risk to health and safety, and no loss of amenity.

The application, which also includes two generator sets in flat roof containers, a small office and a sub station, was approved by councillors at yesterday's meeting.