A former MP has likened a proposed waste incinerator to a "dark god" and a "bad neighbour" as residents voiced their opposition to the controversial plan.
The proposed Hownsgill Energy Centre is an "energy from waste" facility which would incinerate non-hazardous waste, processing up to 60,000 tonnes of fuel from non-recyclable waste per year on former steelworks land at Hownsgill Industrial Park, Consett.
Objectors and Durham County Council say it would harm landscape and heritage, but developer Project Genesis disputes this and is appealing against the refusal of planning permission, saying the scheme would provide much-needed waste management, heat and electricity.
Read more: Consett incinerator objectors tell inquiry it would be a 'blight' on landscape
Pat Glass, former MP for North West Durham and current chair of the North West Durham Labour Party, told an ongoing public inquiry it was a "bad neighbour" development.
She said: "The vast majority of the people of Consett have said firmly and clearly that they are opposed to this proposed development.
"Nothing has brought our community together in this way since the closure of the Consett Steel Works in the 1980s."
"They have looked at this proposal and said no.
"No, we will not return to fearing what emissions from industry is doing to our health and the health of our children. No, we will not return to the days of our mothers and grandmothers spending wash day with both eyes on the wind direction.
Read more: Incinerator inquiry - 'Consett will not be a dumping ground'
"We welcome industry and development, but that now must be sympathetic to and part of our living environment, not a dark god that dominates over us like the works and the pit heaps did for generations.
"Hand on heart I have not met one single person in favour.
"We fear that the proposal will hinder and jeopardise the future regeneration of Consett as a residential and business location. This facility has the potential to 'set back' and 'level down' Consett.
"Employment in the facility will be limited to nine permanent employees and the facility has the potential to deter future investment which would deliver more jobs for the community.
"What developer will want to develop new green technology next to an incinerator?
"Democracy demands, we demand that you hear our united voice and reject this appeal."
Read more: Consett incinerator row - Richard Holden hits back at plans
Andrew Tabachnik QC, representing Project Genesis, asked her whether she would welcome a possible fund with "a six-figure sum every year" to alleviate fuel poverty if the scheme were approved.
She replied: "I don't believe that we should put people's environment or their health at risk for a promise of something that may or may not come in the future."
Janet Matthews, a resident, farmer and former teacher, spoke of the nearby North Pennines area of outstanding natural beauty and asked: "How could anyone be considering putting such a nationally and globally recognised area at risk of unnecessary pollution?"
She said burning commercial and industrial waste was not a viable solution and spoke of the effects of air pollution and "unthinkable" contamination of gardens, allotments, crops and animal products, referring to scientific research.
Mr Tabachnik said the council had carefully considered air quality issues in the planning application and did not object on air quality grounds.
Ms Matthews replied: "They didn't say 'yes it's OK' did they?"
Read more: Incinerator will be 'barely noticeable', landscape architect tells inquiry
Mr Tabachnik also referred to government policy that the Environment Agency would not issue a permit to a plant which had a significant impact on the environment or may cause harm to human health.
Ms Matthews answered: "But the point is accidents happen.
"And once that stuff's out there it's not coming back, it's going to stay there for years and years.
"You can't guarantee 100% there are going to be no emissions."
Read more: Controversial £35m Consett incinerator plans REJECTED by councillors
Michael Twiss, who has lived less than half a mile from the site for more than 50 years, said residents "emphatically do not want" the facility.
He claimed there had been secrecy around the plans which "leaves most of us completely unconvinced".
He added: "The land at Hownsgill is there for our benefit and Consett people don't want it used for an incinerator.
"We are slowly but surely killing this planet. There has to be a better way and most certainly, incinerators are not the answer."
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