Mark Whitehead 27 April 2023

Durham incinerator decision delayed again

Durham incinerator decision delayed again  image
Image: bensliman hassan / Shutterstock.com.

A decision on plans for a waste incinerator in County Durham has been delayed for a further two months.

The outcome of a public inquiry into the proposal at Hownsgill Industrial Park, Consett, was due this week following an initial delay.

Durham County Council had refused permission for the energy-from-waste facility at the former steelworks site, but developer Project Genesis appealed.

The decision is now due by 26 June.

The proposed Hownsgill Energy Centre, with a 160ft-high (50m) chimney stack, would process up to 60,000 tonnes of commercial and industrial waste per year.

Campaigners opposed to the scheme fear it would be a danger to health and 3,500 objections were sent to Durham County Council.

The authority said the facility would cause cumulative harm and worsen views of a ‘predominantly rural and attractive landscape’.

At the inquiry it said the plans would significantly affect the landscape with ‘three unusually tall structures of industrial character’ which would be ‘visually dominant’.

Project Genesis says the incinerator will generate heat and electricity with discounts for people in the area.

Consett North councillor Alex Watson, who supports the plans, says there would be no toxic emissions, smells or noise and the council only turned it down because of the chimney.

He said recently: ‘It's crazy, I've never been happy that it was refused in the first place.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Family Support Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 6 - £27,269 - £30,060 (Pay award pending)
Do you have a real passion for helping families to make positive changes for themselves and their children? This might be the right role for you!   WH Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Clerical Officer Receptionist

Durham County Council
Grade 3 £24,404 - £25,183 Pro Rata to hours worked Pay award pending
WHAT IS INVOLVED? We are looking to appoint a part time Clerical officer/Receptionist within Business Services to provide a professional, effective a Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Administration Assistant

Durham County Council
£25,584 - £27,711 pro rata
Administration Assistant Grade 5    £25,584 - £27,711 pro rata Temporary – required from 1st October 2025 until 31 December 2025 37 hours per week, Te Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Support Assistant

Durham County Council
£24,027 pro rata
Support Assistant Grade 1 £24,027 pro rata Temporary – required from 1st October 2025 until 31st October 2026 Part Time, 32.5 hours Mon - Fri 9am -4pm Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lecturer in Foundation Learning -Maths, English and Digital

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £34,314 - £37,938 pro rata for part-time term time working PAY AWARD PENDING
The DurhamLearn Foundation Learning programme area delivers Digital Skills, English and Maths Functional Skills.   An opportunity has arisen for a Lec Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner