(Image: The Northern Echo)
A County Durham MP has vowed to continue fighting plans for a controversial hazardous waste incinerator after a key development in the long-running saga.
The Environment Agency (EA) has announced it is “minded to” grant a permit for the proposed facility at Merchant Park, Newton Aycliffe, and has opened a fresh consultation before making its final decision.
Alan Strickland, who has opposed the plans since before becoming MP for Newton Aycliffe and Spennymoor, said he was disappointed by the announcement and pledged to submit further objections on behalf of residents and businesses.
The proposed plant, operated by Fornax (North East) Ltd, would accept clinical and hazardous waste for incineration in a high-temperature thermal treatment facility.
After reviewing objections and evidence submitted during a previous consultation, the Environment Agency said it was "minded to" issue the permit, meaning it has found no reason to refuse the application. But it stressed it has not yet made a final decision.
In a social media post, Mr Strickland said: "Today, following months of assessment, the Environment Agency has announced it's minded to approve the application for the hazardous waste incinerator.
Alan Strickland, MP for Newton Aycliffe and Spennymoor, has vowed to continue opposing plans for a hazardous waste incinerator at Merchant Park, Newton Aycliffe (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)
"I've opposed these plans since before I was elected our MP. I formally objected to the original planning application and this Environment Agency environmental permit application, so I'm disappointed by the announcement.
"This is not the final decision. The agency has opened a consultation on the proposed approval, which is open until December 1.
"I'll be submitting a response to this latest consultation on behalf of local residents and businesses."
The MP also urged people to respond directly to the Environment Agency consultation and contact his office with their views.
The proposed facility has been one of the most controversial developments in Newton Aycliffe in recent years, attracting opposition from campaigners, residents and politicians concerned about its potential impact on health and the environment.
The Environment Agency said it can refuse the permit only if the application breaks environmental laws, including causing significant pollution or harming human health.
Gary Wallace, the agency's area environment manager for the North East, said officials had "carefully considered all the information and consultation comments" received during the previous consultation.
"We will only grant the permit if we are satisfied the application meets all legal requirements and provides a high level of protection to the environment and human health," he said.
"It's important the public have the opportunity to read the draft documents and provide comments. We'll then make our final decision once we've reviewed consultation responses."
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The consultation will remain open until December 1, after which the Environment Agency will consider submissions before making a final decision on whether to grant the permit.
Campaign groups and local opponents are expected to submit fresh objections during the consultation period.
The announcement has already been met with alarm on social media from residents opposed to the plans.