Plans for a controversial waste incinerator in County Durham have been rejected by the Government.
Project Genesis Ltd lodged plans for a renewable energy centre on land at Hownsgill Industrial Estate, near Delves Lane, in Consett.
Durham County Council had rejected the proposals for the former steelworks site, but an appeal from developer resulted in a public inquiry last year.
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The outcome was due to be announced in March, but was delayed until June 26, when it was confirmed the proposals had been refused by the Secretary of State.
County Durham Labour Leader, Councillor Carl Marshall, said: “This is a genuine victory for the Consett community’s “Say No” campaign and the local Labour Party who worked alongside them to reject the initial application to the DCC officers who presented the case at the appeal.
“There is a place for energy from waste facilities, but that place certainly isn’t on the doorstep of County Durham families, who would have suffered immeasurably from air pollution, foul smells and increased heavy vehicle traffic had this incinerator been built.
“It’s now time to put this whole episode behind us and focus on a truly low carbon future that embraces cleaner greener renewable energy sources, as we all do our bit in our drive toward zero carbon."
The proposed “Hownsgill Energy Centre” would have seen the erection of a 50m chimney and a plant processing up to 60,000 tonnes of commercial and industrial waste per year. More than 3,500 objections to the scheme were sent to Durham County Council.
Consett Liberal Democrat councillor for Consett, Moorside and The Grove, Dominic Haney said: “This is a long overdue, but hard won and worthy victory for Consett.
“After months of delaying the decision on the incinerator, the Government have finally came to the same conclusion our town did long ago – these waste burner plans need dumped at the tip.
“Consett’s days of polluting industry are behind us. But the people of Consett remain as tough as steel – as shown by the thousands of people who stood up and backed the campaign against the waste burner.
“This is a huge win for everyone in the town, and shows that a community that pulls together can achieve its goals.
“We were united and spoke with one voice saying ‘NO to the Consett incinerator’."
North West Durham MP Richard Holden said: “Today’s decision to dismiss the appeal and deny permission for the Consett incinerator is the right one.
"I spoke up for my constituents against it in Parliament, gave evidence at the planning inquiry, and have consistently supported the strong local voices of residents led by Conservative Councillors Angela Sterling and Michelle Walton. It is fantastic to see hard work pay off."
Project Genesis Ltd previously said the scheme would provide a catalyst for investment, jobs and regeneration.
