It is understood SITA, the landfill's manager, has been in talks with the Environment Protection Authority about securing a works approval for the facility.

Apart from a works approval, which includes public consultation, from the EPA, a planning permit is required from the State Government, which is the responsible planning authority for the tip site.

Residents Against Toxic Waste in the South East chairwoman Thelma Wakelam said the group was concerned at the impacts of the proposed plant and would fight the proposal.

"The planned technology will have extra noise levels, and has the potential to produce dangerous dioxins and furans into the air. The tip operates in a farming zone, where a soil recycling facility is prohibited.

"We believe SITA should not be able to expand nor be given any exemptions to their existing permit in a non-conforming zone.

"RATWISE would welcome this should a new permit be sought."

SITA's general manager of marketing and strategy Simon Gardner Lee said the company was "one of many" that was looking into soil treatment "because of the requirement to provide solutions to deal with this material particularly if it's relatively benign".

RATWISE called on SITA and the EPA to hold a public meeting to "discuss all the aspects of this proposed facility".