The last remaining hurdle is now central Government approval before contractors Lagan and French specialist CNIM can start building the energy recovery facility at Beddington Lane in Sutton.

They will build two 106,500 tonne-a-year capacity mechanical biological treatment facilities, and one energy-from-waste plant with combined heat and power, also with a 106,500 tonne-a-year capacity.

The incinerator would burn waste from the boroughs of Croydon, Kingston upon Thames, Merton and Sutton, diverting about 95% of waste away from landfill.

Ian John, Head of Planning at Viridor, said: “The decision builds on the approval of the London Borough of Sutton and is another important step towards achieving planning permission and the delivery of next generation infrastructure for South London.

“Working in tandem with waste reduction, reuse, and enhanced recycling, Viridor’s Beddington ERF will play an important role in diverting waste from landfill, recovering renewable energy from what remains.

“Operating to the highest national and international standards, the facility will deliver real environmental, economic, social and community benefits.”