A controversial proposal for a new waste incinerator has been approved by the Government after an appeal process.

Councillors in County Durham rejected an application for the facility at Merchant Park, Newton Aycliffe, last year but the contentious proposal remained a possibility after the applicant Fornax lodged an appeal.

The scheme sparked concerns that it would blight the area with “plumes of pollutants” from a 30m stack, harming health and the environment. It attracted hundreds of objections from residents, groups, businesses and councillors, with a petition expressing concerns including air quality, emissions, health and noise.

However, the Planning Inspectorate has approved the development, putting an end to a vociferous campaign from residents who objected. Durham County Council says it is disappointed by the outcome but will work to ensure the scheme is successful.

The Northern Echo: The incinerator is due to be built near the Hitachi Rail factory off Heighington Lane The incinerator is due to be built near the Hitachi Rail factory off Heighington Lane (Image: The Northern Echo)

Fornax Environmental Solutions applied for permission to build a “high temperature thermal treatment facility” at the Merchant Park estate. It says up to 10,500 tonnes of clinical and hazardous waste would be incinerated per year, running 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Councillors on the local authority’s planning committee voted to refuse planning permission for the scheme, against the recommendation of their planning officers, as it feared it could put off new businesses from the area and cause existing firms to move away.

The campaign against the proposal spanned several months and included a public inquiry, where residents clashed with Fornax representatives over the contents of the plans.

The Northern Echo: The plant would burn up to 10,500 tonnes of waste a yearThe plant would burn up to 10,500 tonnes of waste a year (Image: FORNAX)

But John Woolcock from the Planning Inspectorate said many of the concerns were not “well founded” and the incinerator would not damage human health.

The report read: “Some objectors referred to the proposal resulting in an infringement of their human rights. These concerned the right to life, the right to respect for private and family life, and the right to the peaceful enjoyment of possessions and property. I do not consider these submissions to be well founded, as I have concluded that the appeal scheme would not materially harm human health and that it would not have an unacceptable environmental impact.

“Overall, the appeal scheme would comply with the development plan. It would also accord with national policy and guidance when taken as a whole. There are no material considerations here to indicate that the appeal should be determined other than in accordance with the development plan.

“For the reasons given above and having regard to all other matters raised, I conclude that the appeal should be allowed.”

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Michael Kelleher, Durham County Council’s head of planning and housing, said: “We are disappointed with the outcome of the appeal and appreciate the disappointment felt by local residents. However, we understand the role of the Planning Inspectorate and accept the decision that has been made.

“We will now focus on working with everyone involved, including the local community, to ensure the scheme is as successful as possible.”