Work to construct a biomass boiler on a site, which was the scene of a massive fire for more than two weeks, will begin next year.

Navitas Environmental confirmed today that it will begin building its biomass facility at Appspond Lane early next year, following the granting of an Environmental Permit by the Environment Agency.

The new facility will process 86,000 tonnes of dry waste wood per year, which would otherwise end up in landfill, and generate 12MW of renewable energy, which is said to be enough to provide electricity for seventeen thousand homes.

The facility was given permission by Hertfordshire County Council in December last year, and following a public consultation the Environmental Permit was issued earlier this month.

The Potters Crouch recycling centre became a blaze for several weeks, after the wood chipping and waste composting facility caught alight in November 2012.

Andy Beck, director of Navitas Environmental, said: "We are very pleased to have been given the green light by both Hertfordshire County Council and the Environment Agency to develop this state-of-the-art facility for generating renewable energy.

"The Environment Agency undertook an extensive public consultation exercise that resulted in five comments from the public and organisations. The proposed development has been thoroughly assessed and has met the EA’s high standards.

"The biomass development will be a welcome improvement to the current site and will provide a long term sustainable outlet for waste wood, primarily from Hertfordshire, transforming it into 'green' electricity.

"The wood comes from other development and refurbishment projects and there is a considerable lack of recovery and recycling outlets in the UK.  We intend to make this an example of best practice and make Hertfordshire a leading example for other county councils in the UK.

"Over 150 people will be employed during the construction of the £60 million facility, and 30 new jobs will be created when it’s operating, plus a further 30 jobs created in the local supply chain. We will be working closely with the local community to provide details of the construction timetable and job vacancies as they occur."