Luton-based KTI Energy is looking to apply to the Infrastructure Planning Commission for development consent for a biomass fired Combined Heat and Power station and contiguous biomass fuel producing plant.

To be named Gatwick Energy Services, the station would also have a non-household biodegradable waste treatment plant of 240,000 tonne per annum input capacity.

Included in the plans is landscaping, road access from the A264 Crawley Road, with a connecting bridge over the Three Bridges to Horsham rail line and sidings for delivery of biomass fuel by rail.

KTI Energy managing director Dr Bill Temple-Pediani, who has been in discussion with Horsham and Crawley council leaders, said: "The project has as its principal purpose to generate green electricity and heat to promote economic development, employment and abate climate change from Gatwick Diamond."

He has written to the county council that he believes the relief road should be 7km of dual carriageway linking the A264 with the A23 and Gatwick Airport.

A spokesperson for Horsham District Council said: "We are not aware of any planning application for such a large scale renewable energy CHP scheme having been prepared.

"We have not yet seen any detailed proposals with all the necessary information, although we are aware of the intentions behind such a proposal.

"There are a significant number of issues still to be determined and resolved before any such planning application could be put forward."

A county council spokesman said: "West Sussex County Council still believes there would be considerable benefits to Crawley and the surrounding rural areas if a relief road was provided in association with major developments on the western side of Crawley. The position remains there is currently no agreed or approved alignment.

"If a definitive decision is reached within the next five years that a relief road is required and is deliverable, a considerable amount of further work will then be required to establish its alignment."