The Environment Agency has opened a consultation on its draft decision to grant an environmental permit to Fornax (North East) Ltd, which wants to run an energy from waste plant at Merchant Park, Newton Aycliffe, in County Durham. Under the applied-for permit, the site would accept clinical, commercial and industrial hazardous waste for incineration in a high temperature thermal treatment facility.

After reviewing comments and evidence from a public consultation last summer, the agency said it is "minded to" issue the permit, meaning it has found no reason to refuse but has not made a final decision. The consultation runs until 1 December 2026. Gary Wallace, Area Environment Manager in the North East, said the agency would grant the permit only if satisfied the application meets all legal requirements and provides a high level of protection to the environment and human health.

The agency said it may refuse a permit only where an application fails legal requirements, including significant environmental impact or harm to human health, and that it is legally required to issue a permit if all requirements are met. Responses can be submitted via the consultation website or by email.