A controversial proposal to build a waste incinerator is due to be decided within months after an impassioned campaign by objectors.

Passionate Consett residents have engaged in an almost three-year-long battle to stop the construction of the incinerator on land at Hownsgill Industrial Park as it fears it would be a danger to local health.

Durham County Council refused the energy waste facility plan in September 2021 but the applicant, Project Genesis, appealed against this decision, leading to a nine-day public inquiry before a government-appointed inspector.

The proposed Hownsgill Energy Centre, with a 50m-high chimney stack, would process up to 60,000 tonnes per year of commercial and industrial waste.

And despite Durham County Council saying the facility would cause cumulative harm and worsen views of a "predominantly rural and attractive landscape", there is still a possibility that the proposal is approved, with the Secretary of State making the final decision by March 15 2023.

The Northern Echo: Campaigner Christine Thomas with objectors to the Consett energy from waste plan at Hownsgill Industrial Park. Campaigner Christine Thomas with objectors to the Consett energy from waste plan at Hownsgill Industrial Park. (Image: The Northern Echo)

Christine Thomas, one of the organisers of the Say No to Consett Incinerator group, is proud of the cross-party support the campaign has received.

“We genuinely feel that we’ve done everything we can,” said Christine. “The council have rejected it, the community have rejected it. The inspector was very fair and listened to all sides. If the Secretary of State approves it all we can do is say we did our best.”

The campaign has been boosted by hundreds of objections and the thousands of people who have fought to oppose it. Yet they realise that it could all be for nothing.

Christine said: “The land was supposed to be secured for the people of Consett to regenerate the area and now something is being developed that nobody wants. If the people of Consett don’t want it, and they are very vocal about not wanting it, then why are they still going ahead?

“Project Genesis have underestimated the demographic of the area and there are people here who have seen the transformation of the town, remember how it was, and do not want it to go back to an industrial wasteland.”

At the inquiry, the council said the plans would be "transformative" and would have significant adverse effects on an "attractive and mature" restored landscape, adding the development would break the skyline with "three unusually tall structures of industrial character" which would be permanent and "visually dominant".

The Northern Echo: Where the incinerator could be built Where the incinerator could be built (Image: The Northern Echo)

But a similar incinerator appeal at Merchant Park, Newton Aycliffe was approved in December however, adding to the likelihood of the Consett proposal going ahead.

Consett North councillor Alex Watson, of The Durham Group, is an ardent supporter of the plans. He said: “There’s no toxic emissions, smells, or noise, and the council recommended to refuse it on account of the chimney. It’s crazy, I’ve never been happy that it was refused in the first place.

“If the Aycliffe one can be approved, then you think it would just be a formality, but I don’t know why we must wait until March – it just doesn’t make sense at all.

“I firmly believe if it goes ahead that millions of pounds and jobs will be generated.”

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Disagreements between the two parties continue but the objectors have taken the campaign in their stride and have helped raise a local awareness of sustainability, while also helping other campaign groups.

Christine added: “We’re confident we’ve done everything we can, and we appreciate the support from the community because that’s been a huge help.”