Developers wanting to build a waste processing plant on the edge of Dartmoor National Park will attempt to reverse a decision to turn down planning permission.
MVV Environment plans for a bottom ash processing plant at Whitecleave Quarry, in Buckfastleigh, were refused by Devon County Council in April.
The scheme – to process ash produced by an energy-to-waste plant now under construction in Plymouth – prompted a fierce local campaign, including a parish poll which saw 95% of voters against it.
An appeal has now been lodged with the Planning Inspectorate, the company revealed yesterday.
Neil Smith, co-chairman of the Buckfastleigh Community Forum (BCF), said he was surprised by the announcement but added: "Clearly we are going to fight and we have all the democratic institutions on our side."
Paul Carey, managing director of MVV Environment Devonport Limited, said: "We have considered our options over the past five months and remain convinced that the Whitecleave Quarry site is the best available."