PLANS for a controversial recycling plant in Buckfastleigh have been temporarily shelved.

Heathfield firm Gilpin Demolition took the lease on Whitecleaves Quarry earlier this year and applied to process a range of waste materials there.

But the scheme provoked hundreds of complaints from householders worried about noise, dust and pollution.

The firm was asked by Devon County Council to provide detailed environmental information but with the planning clock ticking, it this week withdrew the application.

Company secretary Georgina Gilpin said the main stumbling block had been an air monitoring programme which would take three months to complete.

She said once that had been done the firm return with a fresh submission.

'We've got the lease and we're keen to get on and provide jobs. We've got some very exciting plans,' she said.

Mrs Gilpin said that for now the firm intended to quarry rock for a number of applications including construction and road building.

The tonnage to be extracted was unknown but would be worked in accordance with minerals permissions.

'It would be nice to think that we could come back with a new application for the materials recycling plant by late spring,' said Mrs Gilpin.

'If we don't get permission we could always do what objector Peter Thornhill suggested and develop an industrial site in the quarry.'

Mr Thornhill said 'it was good news so far' but he remained critical of Gilpin and its preparation of the site which had involved felling trees.

'I hope that they will abide by the rules of quarrying and treat the wildlife and the residents fairly, and respect our wishes of no noise and dust, the very thing they have failed to do so far,' he said.

The halt in proceedings was also welcomed by district and county councillor Stuart Barker who said people could 'sleep easily in their beds' for a few months at least.

He said that when Gilpin returned with a fresh application it should provide sufficient detail to reassure both residents and the county council.

In particular he wanted answers about asbestos and car-breaking.

'That is what I hope will happen,' he said.