Campaigners plan to block Portland Waste Incinerator proposals
You've got until 7th March to have your say on new proposals for Powerfuel Portland.
Campaigners say they are building their case to block approval of controversial plans for a new incinerator at Portland Port.
If approved, Powerfuel Portland could provide enough energy to power 30,000 homes.
But, campaigners are planning a range of legal actions to block any approval of the facility. They say it poses a threat to public health, the environment and local tourism.
Powerfuel Portland has submitted 18 new documents (600+ pages) to Dorset Council's planning department. The public has until the 7th of March to make their views known. Campaigners are building a case with environmental lawyers/ consultants to review the documents, plus new air quality information submitted to the Environment Agency.
They say if Dorset Council approves the plans they will call it in for the Planning Inspectorate to make the final decision. If that doesn't work and the facility still gets approval, they say they will bid for a judicial review.
Giovanna Lewis is a member of the group Stop Portland Waste Incinerator. She said:
"If it is approved we will take it to judicial review, but that will close about ÂŁ20,000."
Powerfuel Portland has submitted 18 new documents (600+ pages) to Dorset Council's planning department. The public have until the 7th of March to make their views known. Campaigners are building a case with environmental lawyers/ consultants to review the documents, plus new air quality information submitted to the Environment Agency.
They say if Dorset Council approves the plans they will call it in for the Planning Inspectorate to make the final decision. If that doesn't work and the facility still gets approval, they say they will bid for a judicial review.
Giles Frampton, Director of Powerfuel, said:
“There are over 40 similar ERFs already operating safely in the UK, of which the Portland ERF would be one of the new generation, most advanced facilities.
"All ERFs operate under strict regulations and are constantly monitored to ensure there is no negative impact on health or the environment.
“During our pre-application consultation with local residents there was some unease about the emissions levels from the facility’s stack.
"To further limit the potential that emissions from the ERF could have any measurable impact on air quality or local ecology, Powerfuel has increased the height of the stack to improve the emission dispersion.
"We have also gone to great lengths to limit any visual impact from the facility and our revised architectural designs show the facility will be in-keeping with its surroundings.”