UPDATED: Portland waste incinerator given the go ahead
The government has granted planning permission for the controversial scheme
Last updated 17th Sep 2024
Planning permission has been granted for a controversial waste incinerator at Portland Port.
The government has given the green light to the scheme.
Powerfuel's original proposal to build a waste incinerator on the island was rejected by Dorset Council, that led to an appeal and a public inquiry.
The government has now given the incinerator the go ahead saying "t would have no injurious effect on the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site" and will have no detrimental health impacts.
Cllr Nick Ireland, Leader of Dorset Council, said:
“It is regrettable that the Deputy Prime Minister has overridden the decision of Dorset Council to refuse the planning application for the incinerator. This ignores the views of thousands of Dorset residents, who oppose the burning of waste on the Jurassic coastline for environmental, economic, and health reasons.
“Portland residents have already coped with the disruption caused by the presence of the Bibby Stockholm barge – another decision imposed by central government - against the wishes of local residents and Dorset Council. They now face the prospect of a large-scale incinerator being built on their doorstep, in the middle of a UNESCO World Heritage site, with all the consequences that go along with it.
“We are currently reviewing the contents of the Planning Inspector’s report, and speaking with government representatives to find out what they intend to do to support Portlanders and the wider community, to mitigate the negative impacts this decision will bring.”
A spokesperson for Portland Port said:
"Portland Port welcomes the decision of the Secretary of State to grant planning permission for Powerfuel’s energy recovery facility.
"Portland Port will work with Powerfuel as a commercial operator on the port estate, as it does with all other occupiers, to facilitate operations and take the next steps forward."