A decision on the controversial proposal for a Consett incinerator has been delayed again, with a verdict not due for another two months. 

Residents and campaign groups have engaged in a fierce battle to stop the construction of the incinerator on land at Hownsgill Industrial Park, as they fear 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 outcome of the inquiry was initially due to be returned on March 15 but a letter sent to Durham County Council said further time is required to consider the appeal. The reason for the delay was unclear and April 26 was then stated as the next deadline. 

But campaigners have now been told a decision has once again been delayed, now due to be delivered on or before June 26. The second delay has concerned some campaigners but others remain confident that their bid will be successful. 

The Northern Echo: Local councillors joined residents in their opposition to the plans Local councillors joined residents in their opposition to the plans (Image: The Northern Echo)

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 Michael Gove presiding over the final decision. 

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The Northern Echo: Where the incinerator could be built on the Hownsgill Industrial ParkWhere the incinerator could be built on the Hownsgill Industrial Park (Image: Stuart Boulton)

Project Genesis has also faced criticism from local councillors and the town’s Conservative MP Richard Holden during its campaign, with hundreds of objections against the proposal sent to the council.

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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".

But Consett North councillor Alex Watson, who has been involved with Project Genesis since it was launched in 1994, continues to back the plans.

Speaking in December, 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.”