Skanska is gearing up to build a £170m combined heat and power plant in Bradford after the council gave the green light to the scheme

Skanska is expected to start construction on then project, on the site at Bowling Back Lane, in spring 2013, with completion set for 2016.

Skanska is leading the development of the project and will work through a joint venture with consultant Aecom to design, build and commission the plant, which will be managed by FCC Environment when it is operational.

The construction phase is expected to create 300 jobs.

On completion the joint venture called Pennine Resource Recovery (PRR),  will begin a 25-year contract worth £1bn to turn Bradford’s waste into power.

Mark Tribe, project director for PRR, said: “This decision is great news for Bradford and Calderdale.

“The scheme has been specifically designed for the area and we will be working very closely with local training and employment agencies to ensure that local people across both districts are able to benefit from the employment and training opportunities on offer.”