Government declines incinerator plea

The Government has declined a campaign group’s plea to consider an environmental permit for a new incinerator, writes Local Democracy Reporter, Bill Edgar.

Residents and politicians backed calls to prevent the proposed facility from opening in Newton Aycliffe as the Environment Agency continues to assess an application from developer Fornax. 

The plant, which the developer says will generate enough energy to power the equivalent of 700 homes, is due to begin operating in the first quarter of 2026 and would be the first of its kind in the North East.

Cross-party councillors at Durham County Council agreed to write to the Government, urging them to reject the incinerator due to the “completely inappropriate” location, which “would  cause significant harm to the surrounding community”. 

About 10,500 tonnes of clinical and hazardous waste would be incinerated per year at the site in Aycliffe Business Park, but locals fear their lives and health will be impacted.

The plea, initially tabled by Liberal Democrat councillor Michael Stead, came amid growing opposition from the “STOP Heighington Lane Incinerator” campaign group. 

But Emma Hardy MP, responding on behalf of the Government,  said a call-in decision is not appropriate. 

“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 categorised as ‘high public interest’ by the Environment Agency following fervent campaigning from residents over the summer.  Around 4,000 responses were received to a consultation on the environmental permit. 

All hazardous waste incineration facilities must comply with strict emission limits and cannot operate unless issued with an environmental permit by the Environment Agency, which will only grant a permit if it is satisfied that the proposal would not give rise to any significant pollution of the environment or harm to human health. 

Cllr Michael Stead, member for Aycliffe North and Middridge, said: Sadly, the Government has failed to give a credible response. Stating 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.”

But Cllr Stead said 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 said the plant will be strictly controlled and regulated, and moved to reassure concerned campaigners about the usage of the site. 

Ian Jones, Fornax CEO, said: “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.”