ENDANGERED insects have delayed the decision over a massive waste plant at Nevendon.

Extended environmental surveys mean Essex County Council will not decide on Courtauld Road's future until at least September.

Councillors were due to push through a planning application later this month, but experts need more time to assess different species' population levels.

The move has encouraged campaigners.

Already almost 5,000 people have signed up since it was launched in March.

Andrew Baggott, Tory councillor for Pitsea North West, said: "This gives us extra time.Importantly, more time for people to make their objections loud and clear.

"I have been told the committee will meet in September but no specific date has been given. I plan to speak to the committee to urge it to refuse it. This is the wrong location and will lead to traffic chaos."

The hold-up comes after it was revealed the scrubland site was a haven for animals and wildlife, including great crested newts.

Fears continue to grow that the anaerobic digester plant could also include an incinerator after County Hall revealed 140,000 tonnes of Essex's rubbish a year will have to be burnt.