Sharon welcomes withdrawal of the planning application for an incineration plant at Hillthorn Park & announcement of new £60m regeneration scheme.

Sharon Hodgson, Member of Parliament for Washington & Sunderland West and Shadow Minister for Veterans has today welcomed the withdrawal by Rolton Kilbride, of the application for an incineration plant at Hillthorn Park and the announcement of new £60m regeneration scheme.

Welcomed by local businesses and educational leaders, this development is expected to create 1,600 new jobs and nine new commercial buildings that will be built by 2024.

Sharon said:

“The announcement that the planning application for an incineration plant at Hillthorn Park has been withdrawn is to be welcomed.

“This announcement follows years of campaigning and effort by the local community and campaign groups who delivered leaflets, gathered thousands of signatures and attended public meetings to ask pressing questions to figures of authority.

“I have been proud to campaign alongside, and represent in Parliament, passionate and knowledgeable groups like UKWIN, No Monster Incinerator in Washington and Washington and Wearside Against Gasification Group.

‘’I am pleased that in place of the incineration plant, a new regeneration scheme will be delivered, in which Legal & General have agreed a deal with Sunderland City Council to invest £60m. At a time when our region is suffering due to the economic shock from the Coronavirus pandemic, this investment is fantastic news.

‘’Welcomed by local businesses and educational leaders, this development is expected to create 1,600 new jobs and nine new commercial buildings that will be built by 2024. As with all major developments, I will monitor progress closely – and be sure to represent any concerns constituents may have as we move forward.’’

ENDS