The Government has turned down a campaign group's request to review an environmental permit for a new incinerator. Local residents and politicians supported efforts to stop the proposed facility from launching in Newton Aycliffe whilst the Environment Agency continues examining an application from developer Fornax.
The facility, which the developer claims will produce sufficient energy to power the equivalent of 700 homes, is scheduled to commence operations in the first quarter of 2026 and would be the first of its type in the North East.
Cross-party councillors at Durham County Council agreed to contact the Government, pressing them to refuse the incinerator due to the "completely inappropriate" location, which "would cause significant harm to the surrounding community".
Approximately 10,500 tonnes of clinical and hazardous waste would be burned annually at the site in Aycliffe Business Park, but residents worry their lives and health will be affected.
The request, originally proposed by Liberal Democrat councillor Michael Stead, emerged amid mounting resistance from the "STOP Heighington Lane Incinerator" campaign group.
However, Emma Hardy MP, replying on behalf of the Government, stated a call-in decision is not suitable. "The concerns you raise regarding the permitting process are more properly the subject of judicial review, which examines procedural propriety, rather than a call-in, which examines the merits of any permitting decision," she said.
The application has been labelled as 'high public interest' by the Environment Agency, following passionate campaigning from local residents over the summer. The consultation on the environmental permit received around 4,000 responses.
All facilities incinerating hazardous waste must adhere to stringent emission limits and cannot operate without an environmental permit issued by the Environment Agency. Such a permit will only be granted if the Agency is convinced that the proposal would not result in significant environmental pollution or harm to human health.
Cllr Michael Stead, representative for Aycliffe North and Middridge, expressed his disappointment: "Sadly, the Government has failed to give a credible response. They stated that the incinerator did not meet the threshold to be called in.
"I find it quite remarkable that the Secretary of State has waited until more press coverage before replying, only for Emma Hardy MP, on behalf of the Secretary of State, to respond by email and simply put the onus back onto the Environment Agency. Residents deserve better than being passed from pillar to post."
However, Cllr Stead assured that campaigners will not back down. "The people of Heighington and Aycliffe have spoken clearly: we don't want this incinerator, we don't need it, and we won't stop until this threat to our town is removed completely," he added.
Fornax reassured concerned campaigners about the site's usage, stating that the plant will be strictly controlled and regulated. Ian Jones, CEO of Fornax, stated: "Two independent, thorough assessments of the Fornax facility have previously concluded that it will have no significant impact on the environment or human health. Fears that the plant will be harmful are unfounded and not based on fact.
"The Fornax plant will utilise the best available technology and will have sophisticated management systems to ensure it is safe and efficient. We actively encourage Cllr Stead, local Members of Parliament, and others to engage with us.
"They are welcome to visit the site to see for themselves the investment that is being made to bring this state-of-the-art facility to the region, whilst creating much-needed jobs and training opportunities too."
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