A throng of protestors line the grass, some wearing T-shirts carrying a stark black and white image, some with placards, carrying the slogan: "Say no to the Consett incinerator."
They hold up a string of pictures by schoolchildren bearing similar sentiments. "I Say No." "The chimney will be a monster." "I love Consett, so don't make me and my family leave."
The occasional chanted slogan is heard drifting across the land at Hownsgill Park industrial estate. "Save our view." "Say no, off you go."
Read more: Incinerator inquiry - 'Consett will not be a dumping ground'
The objectors are out in force to make their feelings known about Project Genesis' plan for Hownsgill Energy Centre, an "energy from waste facility" which will process non-recyclable waste.
A government-appointed inspector, who is hearing a public inquiry as the developer appeals against Durham County Council's refusal of planning permission, is spending several hours visiting viewpoints of the site.
Christine Thomas, chair of the Say No To Consett Incinerator campaign group, is happy with the turnout.
"Brilliant show from people in Consett," she says. "I reckon about 500 or 600.
"I don't think anyone is in any doubt that the people of Consett say no. Every generation's here from babies right up to the older generation."
Many objectors have lived in the town all their lives, are old enough to remember the Consett Steel Works, which closed in 1980, and some express worries about a perceived return to industry.
Audrey Thompson, 84, says: "We don't really need an incinerator in Consett. This isn't necessary.
"The thought of a great big chimney will be dreadful."
Janice McKean, 66, says: "I just think they treat Consett like a second-rate town. Because of the steel works years ago they just think they can put anything here."
Judith Twiss, 73, says: "We're going to be dragged back to our industrial past. It's going to be a dumping ground again."
Read more: Consett incinerator objectors tell inquiry it would be a 'blight' on landscape
Rachel O'Neil, 52, a breast cancer survivor whose ex-steelworker father died from industrial disease, has health concerns: "Incinerators haven't been around long enough to determine whether there are long-term negative effects.
"As we can see today, the community doesn't want it.
"We need to reduce, reuse, recycle, not burn waste."
Her mum Helen Grugan, 72, adds: "One emission is too many."
Claire Fullerton, 66, says she loves Consett "because of the open space", but says she will move if the plan goes ahead, with concerns about pollution and traffic.
Lucy Reed, 41, says: "I think it could impede regeneration. It's going to visually impact on the landscape. I think it will affect quality of life. I personally can't see any benefit.
"The turnout today has been absolutely phenomenal."
Claire Roberts, 40, adds: "I just really appreciate where I live and how beautiful the surroundings are.
"But something like this so near the town, it's just not what the town needs or wants. We're trying to be a cleaner and greener town. Burning waste isn't the answer."
Read more: Consett incinerator row - Richard Holden hits back at plans
Debra Kelly, 44, says: "It feels like a step back.
"The town's regenerated itself. The beauty of the area's being appreciated now."
Project Genesis' managing director Mark Short says: "This is an industrial park in the county plan. It's a park that we've strived for nearly 30 years to bring forward development on."
Read more: County Durham incinerator told it will be 'barely noticeable'
He argues the plan will create low-cost heat and power, support and attract businesses, enable a solar farm, and provide a six-figure "energy poverty fund" towards people's bills.
He says he would like to allay concerns such as emissions, noise and smell: "All of these have been dealt with to the satisfaction of the council.
"The only two issues (in the appeal) are landscape and heritage.
"I'm disappointed that there's been a lot of misinformation spread.
"We invited people to come and have a dialogue," he adds. "But there's a reluctance... to engage with us.
"We've had a high level of support but it hasn't been voiced."
The energy centre's website disputes that it will be an incinerator plant, saying it will "recover renewable heat and power via an incineration process".
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