Residents in dark as incinerator meeting cancelled
Nigel AllisonA meeting between the Environment Agency (EA) and residents to discuss plans for an incinerator to burn hazardous and clinical waste has been cancelled.
The facility, on Heighington Lane in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, has already been built by Fornax North East but now requires an environmental permit.
Eileen Brewis, who lives in Heighington, questioned the desire of the agency to engage with "anxious and horrified" residents.
The EA claimed the event could not go ahead "in a way to make it useful and constructive for all", but was looking at alternative ways to "explain" the permit process to interested parties.
Councillor Michael Stead said the community deserves the opportunity to ask questions, raise concerns and understand the potential impact of the proposal.
He said: "This decision sends the wrong message - that local voices don't matter.
"I strongly urge the Environment Agency to reconsider and give residents the transparency and dialogue that we deserve."
Ms Brewis said: "It looks like they are unhappy taking questions from residents who are anxious and horrified at the prospect of a hazardous waste incinerator on their doorstep.
"A meeting would have helped us understand the permit process as well as allowing the EA to gain a perception of public opinion."
'Looking for solution'
The Environment Agency said it was working with organisers to arrange a public event to discuss the consultation with residents.
A spokesperson said: "A planned drop-in event will not go ahead as it could not be managed in a way to make it useful and constructive for all.
"We are still looking for a solution where we can explain the permitting process to those responding to the consultation."
The consultation period has been extended until 18 July.
Durham County Council approved planning permission for the incinerator on 5 December 2022, following an appeal.
Ian Jones, CEO of Fornax, previously said: "Our new facility in Newton Aycliffe has already undergone extensive scrutiny and was approved by the Planning Inspectorate following a planning inquiry in 2022.
"During this process, residents' concerns were carefully considered and addressed by the government's planning inspector.
"The facility has been designed and built to meet, and indeed exceed, all UK and EU rules on air emissions, odour control and habitat protection, which is all covered in the permit application.
"The fears concerning the impact that this facility would have on air quality and future employment uses are entirely unfounded, as stated in the planning inspector's report."