In September, the government overrode a decision made by the council in March 2023 to reject planning permission for the site on grounds of visual impact, pollution and the presence of lorries.
Developer Powerfuel Portland appealed the decision in November 2023 and told the BBC that the incinerator would allow for non-recyclable waste to be “managed locally in a more sustainable way”.
In the letter, councillor Ireland – who is also council cabinet member for climate, performance and safeguarding – expressed his “deep disappointment” at the decision.
The letter highlighted “the strength of local feeling” against the site and also pointed to a recent BBC article which criticised the role of Energy from Waste (EfW) in the UK.
Ireland said that the incinerator has “knee-capped [the council’s] own net zero ambitions”.
He added: “I noted with some interest the recent government announcement on its investment into carbon capture across Merseyside and Teesside.
“Given that this investment is built upon the Climate Change Committee’s advice that carbon capture technologies are significant growth areas as part of the wider low carbon transition, I would strongly urge that if you are not prepared to change your mind on this decision, that a government commitment to mitigate the harmful emissions from this incinerator should be part of a package that ensures communities in Dorset can benefit from investment in the same way that these northern industrial heartlands are.
The letter concluded by calling for a meeting between ministers and Dorset council to discuss the issue further.
Legal challenge to Dorset incinerator
Campaign group Stop Portland Waste Incinerator announced yesterday (28 October 2024) that it has filed a legal challenge against the proposed incinerator.
The legal challenge was issued on grounds of the decision contradicting the council’s Waste Plan, factual errors in the government’s analysis and inaccurate comparisons to other waste management facilities in the appeal.
Debbie Tulett of Stop Portland Waste Incinerator said: “It is both devastating and frustrating to see the government’s opinion that the incinerator would do no harm to the iconic landscape of the Isle of Portland. While it is difficult to legally challenge this aspect of their decision, we are able to take the government to task on their overlooking of planning policy. There is no robust evidence presented that justifies a waste incinerator being located at the end of a geographical cul-de-sac, with no proximity to the existing network of waste disposal in Dorset.
“The Isle of Portland is a unique place which is nationally and internationally recognised. Visitors come to the area due to its beauty, its bracing clean air, and the peace and tranquility of the area, as well as the nationally important heritage sites on the isle – all of which are equally valued by its residents. Not only would a waste incinerator harm our unique landscape, but also our cultural heritage too.”
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