Sir Gavin Williamson has strongly welcomed the news that Sol Environment has announced the withdrawal of an appeal to build a medical waste incinerator in Hixon.
The initial proposals planned to create a ‘clinical waste treatment facility’ within an existing industrial building off Church Lane, which would have seen 3,504 tonnes of hazardous waste being incinerated at a high temperature.
Sir Gavin launched a petition against the proposal due to environmental concerns and the close proximity of the site to St Peter’s C of E Primary School. Signed by over 200 residents, the petition urged the County Council to reject the initial application – which they did at a meeting in October 2025. However, the applicant announced their decision to appeal but has now decided to withdraw their objections.
Sir Gavin has worked tirelessly alongside residents to ensure that the application was stopped – including attending a peaceful protest walk last September, meeting campaigners, attending briefings, and liaising with organisations affected including the primary school.
Sir Gavin said: “This is a fantastic victory for Hixon residents, and I am absolutely thrilled that this application has been withdrawn. I cannot emphasise how disastrous it would have been for the health and wellbeing of residents and the imposition this incinerator would cause.
“Campaigners brought forward a compelling argument and acted with good faith throughout the process, despite very real fears for their children and the area they are proud to call home.
“This goes to show the power of communities and how when working together, residents and organisations can make material benefits that will benefit future generations to come.”
