High Court delays Consett incinerator decision

Say No to Consett Incinerator campaigners say the facility would be a danger to public health

A High Court decision on plans to build a controversial incinerator in County Durham has been delayed, after the judge said he needed more time.

Developers Project Genesis are appealing the government’s decision to reject its proposal for the facility in Consett.

They have argued that the energy centre would prevent rubbish from being buried in landfill and generate cheap, environmentally friendly power.

But campaigners said the incinerator would be a danger to local health.

Planning permission for the £45m incinerator was first rejected by Durham County Council in September 2021.

But Project Genesis has lodged several appeals since.

These appeals have now reached the High Court, where a judgement was due on Monday when both parties met in Leeds.

But Mr Justice Fordham said he had to delay his decision as he needed more time to consider his ruling, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Backlash

Plans for the incinerator at Hownsgill Industrial Park have faced significant backlash from campaigners and the local authority.

Christine Thomas, from Say No to Consett Incinerator, previously said at a public inquiry into the proposed incinerator: “Why would anyone want the remnants and particles of industrial waste soiling the air and contaminating the town​?”

The latest government refusal centred around the significant harm to the character and appearance of the landscape.

The incinerator, if approved, would have a 164ft (50m) chimney stack and would operate 24 hours a day.

It would process up to 60,000 tonnes of commercial and industrial waste per year, according to Project Genesis.

Andrew Tabachnik KC, representing Project Genesis, said the facility would offer power at a “significant discount” which could prove to be a “catalyst” for new businesses in the area.