Portland incinerator campaigners lose latest legal challenge
A Statutory Review has been ruled in developer's favour
Campaigners fighting plans to build a controversial waste incinerator on Portland have lost their latest legal challenge.
A Statutory Review had been looking into the legality of the planning permission granted to Powerfuel Portland.
A two day hearing was held at the Royal Courts of Justice in London last month, with a decision revealed by a judge today (Wednesday 2nd April).
They've ruled in favour of the developers, and that the approval for the scheme was lawful.
The Stop Portland Waste Incinerator group say they're 'very disappointed' with the outcome, but are vowing to continue their battle to prevent the facility from being constructed.
In a statement posted on social media, campaigner spokesperson Debbie Tullett said:
"I am really very sorry to have to say, that it is with much sadness that I have to tell you all that the Judgement for the Statutory Review went against us and we lost the case. I am very disappointed that the Judge was unable to see that the planned waste incinerator does not comply with our county’s waste plan and ruled in favour of the incinerator.
"We do have one final chance left on the legal challenge side of things and that is to try and get our case heard at the Court of Appeal, which instead of being heard by only one person (as with the Planning Inspector, the Secretary of State and the Judge), the decision is made by three Judges.
"As I understand it, we need to register that we intend to appeal within the next few days and have 21 days for our legal team to put the case together for grounds for permission to be heard at the Court of Appeal.
"From all that was said to me by everyone I spoke to before the Statutory Review, I believe that the majority of those who are opposed to the incinerator would like us to fight to the bitter end and therefore I have asked our legal team to prepare to request a Court of Appeal hearing.
"After nearly 6 years of full-time fighting against the waste incinerator, I am not ready to throw in the towel yet, I do not want to back down on our opposition to the Powerfuel waste incinerator until all avenues have been expended, so I really hope you are in agreement that we should fight Powerfuel’s proposal until the very end."
The group's asked supporters for donations towards their legal fees for the next step of the appeal process.
Powerfuel Portland have previously said they'll ensure a high level of protection is provided for the environment and human health, in response to concerns about the local impact of the facility.
The Environment Agency have also granted an operating permit for the incinerator already.