Aycliffe incinerator inquiry: 'it's in the wrong place'

A government-appointed inspector is hearing an appeal over a proposed "high-temperature thermal treatment facility for clinical and hazardous wastes" at Merchant Park, Newton Aycliffe.

Durham County Council refused planning permission for the plant in December last year following hundreds of objections from residents.

Protestors at the inquiry regarding the proposed Merchant Park incinerator. Picture: GARETH LIGHTFOOT

They contend the plan is "an inefficient use of prime employment land resulting in under-delivery of jobs" and the incinerator would put off businesses from the area, undermine job growth and investment. 

Developer Fornax Environmental Solutions is appealing against the refusal, saying it was a "much-needed scheme in the right place".

The firm asserts the perceptions of harm are "unjustified and unreasonable" and fears over air quality and jobs were "entirely unfounded".

Read more: Objectors tell Aycliffe incinerator inquiry - 'it needs to be stopped'

Councillor Eddy Adam, representing residents of School Aycliffe, told the hearing: "You can understand why you heard a wide range of passionate residents expressing their real and genuine concerns about burning hazardous waste near to their homes.

"This could be interpreted as a 'not in my back yard' scenario. However I would contend what residents are actually saying to you is that this should not be in any residential properties' back yard.

"And I think that is a reasonable request in this particular instance, with this new technology that is before us, untried in some respects."

He said residents had concerns about pollutants with "the potential to increase levels of dangerous toxins and poisons into our air and on to our environment and land".

Cllr Eddy Adam. Picture: Durham County Council.

He told the inquiry the facility could increase CO2 emissions, and transport issues had not been fully assessed.

He added: "The proposed development offers more negatives than positives, and would result in significant adverse impact on our residents within Newton Aycliffe.

"I contend it is the wrong process in the wrong place."

Paul Tucker QC, representing Fornax, said they "fundamentally disagree" with Cllr Adam.

John Longley, for the Residents' Group, also gave evidence saying the group believed there were "discrepancies" in Fornax's data.

He said: "We contend that the evidence given by Fornax is, in our opinion, misleading, and... after reading the report from our unpaid experts, we believe that in itself is reason to decline Fornax's appeal.

Read more: LIVE - Public enquiry opens for Newton Aycliffe incinerator appeal - updates

"In this area the local population is already subjected to unhealthy air.

"With the increased risk of climate change and the proposed incinerator, it isn't going to get any better.

"The proof of evidence contains numerous discrepancies, contradictions and omissions in the air quality report that was supplied by Fornax. They all need to be addressed.

"People need to feel safe in the environment in which they live and work, and the evidence provided does not deliver that security."

He said the plant would create almost 25,000 extra vehicle movements a year: "To me that creates a lot of extra traffic pollution on what is a fairly small area.

"We contend that should be looked at. Surely it's got to make a difference."

He said they had researched the mattre and came to an informed choice: "We're not NIMBYs. We're not Luddites."

Mr Tucker said: "We profoundly disagree with some of the observations that have been made, but I suspect 'you're wrong, aren't you?'/ 'no I'm not' is not going to be helpful."

Kevin Ayrton, speaking for Great Aycliffe Town Council, said the number of objections showed the plan would fail to deliver high-quality jobs in a suitable location.

"It has been suggested that the objection of the local residents, businesses and community groups should not be seen as evidence against the development. The town council disagrees with this.

"On the contrary, local residents and business know the area better than anyone else. It's important to listen to them.

"There is undoubtedly a significant concern from the local community that the development will be harmful, including a negative impact on the economy, and this harm is not outweighed by the benefits.

"This is a view that was taken by the planning committee in refusing the application, and is shared by the town council."

The inquiry continues.

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