Controversial waste plans which include two waste incinerators in East Sussex have been agreed prior to a second round of consultation.

County councillors backed the plans, which call for incinerators to be built at North Quay, Newhaven, and Mountfield Mine, near Robertsbridge.

More than 16,000 people responded to the first round of consultation, the majority of them opposed to the incinerators.

Former Cabinet councillor Mike Murphy, who represents Seaford, said: "I am extremely disappointed.

"Despite all the representations made by many people, the incinerator at Newhaven is in the plan."

Recycling targets have been increased to 40 per cent by 2015 since the first consultation.

Lib Dem David Neighbour said nobody should have to live near a burner and the council should explore ways of reducing waste.

He said: "We ought to be looking at zero waste and working towards it."

Brighton and Hove City Council, which has drawn up the plans jointly with the county council, is expected to back the proposals tonight.

The new consultation is on changes made following the first.

A public inquiry is expected next year and the plans are unlikely to be adopted before 2004.